Three simple staging tips for positive results

As an Accredited Staging Professional® Realtor, I’m often asked for tips to help prepare a home for sale. Many homeowners are surprised when I tell them that the most successful staging involves subtracting from, not adding to, the property.

The number one tip is to declutter.  You want buyers to focus on the home’s selling points, not your “stuff.” It can be hard for homeowners to do this. But remember that by packing and removing items before the property is listed, you'll have less to do when it comes time to move.

The second tip is to deodorize. According to a recent Harris Poll, 80% of respondents said that other people’s homes had a distinctive odor -- but only about a third of those surveyed thought their own homes did! Removing the source of the smell is ideal; if that's not possible, several very good odor neutralizers are available.

And finally, the third tip is to depersonalize. You want buyers to envision the house as theirs; the homeowner’s personal items can get in the way of this. Remove personal photos, diplomas and awards, and anything that identifies you or your family. This will keep buyers' eyes on the property’s selling points - and their minds on making the home their own.


Posted by Vicky Nann on 01/19/2010
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