It is unbelievable what we see on a daily basis in this business. We understand that life can be hectic and it can be hard to keep up with the dishes, laundry, toys, weeds, etc...But when it comes to selling your home, staging can be one of the most important, and beneficial things you can do (asides from pricing it right). ;)
"What is Staging" you say?
"Staging is preparing your home for sale so the Buyer can mentally move in" says Barb Schwarz, President of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.
Why Stage your home?
Well this answer is easy. It works! It's been proven that a staged home leads to faster sales, and much more money in the sellers pocket on completion day. Statistics show the cost of staging your home will be less than you first price reduction.
If you can't afford to properly stage your home, don't worry, there's still a lot of tips here that won't cost you a thing!
![Keep Calm](http://thelamoureuxhometeam.myrealpagewebsite.com/_media/Images/42362052715771893_439DQVRP_c.jpg)
Here are the basics:
1. Declutter & Depersonalize- This is so important. As much as you love your knick-knacks and keepsakes, tuck them away for the duration of your listing. A buyer needs to visualize their own life in your home, and those things along with too many family photo's can distract from their over-all impression.
2. De-odorize- If a home smells bad, it's hard to get the Buyer through the front door. Seriously! On many occasions, we've gone to show homes, and you open the front door, and WHAM! A nasty smell slaps you in face and your buyer says they dont need to see that one, as they head back to the car...You may be used to how your dogs favorite spot on the couch smells, but the your potential Buyer isn't. If you have pets (which we love, trust me), vaccuum and wash potentially smelly surfaces. Remove as much pet hair as you can.
Avoid cooking certain dishes the night before showings (fish, or foods heavy in spices). It may be time to have your carpets steam cleaned. There are a couple great local businesses we'd be happy to recommend. Don't burn or spray overly perfumy candles or sprays. Those too, could be off putting to somebody with sensitivities.
3. Curb Appeal- It's most important to get those potential buyers into your house. Most buyers shop online before calling their Realtor(r) to schedule showings, and the first thing they see is a picture of the front of your home. Hang a flower basket or two, maybe add a couple shrubs near the front door. Make sure that your lawn has been mowed, and open your blinds and have some lights on inside so it looks inviting!
There are more great home staging tips in the link below. We're always available to help make suggestions on preparing your home to sell!
Browse Furniture on Houzz- For Example: