Home Staging

What is Home Staging?

H.S. is the process of preparing a home for sale. 

(I.e. merchandising your home.)

7 Basic Principles of Staging

1. Making Homes Appeal to Everyone

2. Making a Great First Impression

3. Maximizing Space

4. De-Emphasising Flaws

5. The Importance of Lighting

6. Create Warmth

7. Modernize

Home Staging is all about what should be Removed, not what should be added.

Don’t take it personally. A prospective buyer is looking for a home that fits “THEIR” lifestyle and personality. Broaden appeal by Removeing “your” personal achievements and hobbies.

TIPS:

• Remove Family Pictures, Religious Items, Trophies and Diplomas.
• Remove items that hint at your personality, gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation, occupation or interests.
• Remember!!! “Color” is personal. Be sure not to turn off potential buyers.
• “Tone down” or minimize colors that potential buyers may not “click” with by splitting up an ensemble of colorful pieces.
• Create “Warmth” by setting the dining room table or placing a service of tea on the coffee table or a bed tray in the master bedroom.

MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

From the outside, in… A prospective buyer’s first impression is all-important.

Set the tone for a buyer’s expectation of the house before they even enter.

TIPS:

            Try to approach your house with the eyes of a stranger.    

Again, don’t take it personal. This is business. Remain detached and the profit will soar.

            The front door and threshold should be pristine.

Potential buyers wait at the front door while the agent arrives. Thus, be sure to dust, paint, oil or power-wash to ensure a pristine entryway.

In fact, power-wash wherever possible. (Driveways, sidewalks, front entry, and walkways)

            Painting is a good investment.

Fresh paint on the gutters and trim may be all you need to brighten the entry point of your home.

A gallon of paint is likely to boost your asking price.

Remain objective about the color of your house. Remember, color is personal and this is business.

• Eaves should be free of mildew & Cobwebs, Birds and Bees.
• Windows must be sparkling
• Garage door should be clean and well painted
• Mailbox should be properly maintained
• Make sure your house number is clearly visible
• A new doormat is crucial
• All light fixtures should be cleaned and shined
• Flower pots should be placed at entry ways
• Talk to your neighbors: ask them to move any non-working cars, boats etc. (it helps you get more for your house & that in turn helps your neighbors by enhancing the values of their homes).

The Front Yard

• All grass areas must be Green and free of bare spots
• Pruned bushes should be removed
• Apply fresh bark to cover bare areas and create a finished look
• Make sure that all windows are clear of vegetation to allow for maximum light
• Plant flowers with lots of color, Blue, Purple, Pink, & white are always safe.
• DEATH TO ALL WEEDS

The Backyard & Deck

• Face all furniture towards the house
• Use umbrellas to de-emphasize
• Apply same standards mentioned for “The Front Yard”

Virtual Tour and Picture Shots 

Because first impressions are the most important, sometimes the pictures and the virtual tour can make the difference of whether or not a home is sold.

Make sure that the date scheduled to shoot pictures is not trash day… We take pictures of the outside of your house and its surrounding area.

Below is a detailed list of things that will help in staging your home and make the most of your virtual tour. These suggestions are based on proven techniques, previously used and studied in The Art of Staging.  I recommend you go through this list and check each item that applies and then put a second check once you have completed the task.

 Please make sure you have:

• Removed any excess clutter (refrigerator magnets, papers laying around, excessive family pictures, throws should be used strategically to minimize strong color or hide imperfections otherwise Remove them)
• Remember that nothing is more central to staging your home than Removeing non-essential pieces of furniture to help create the impression of more square footage.
• Clean off bookshelves, mantles and coffee tables.
• Live plants should be Removed if they are not well pruned and in perfect shape.
• Create warmth with the use of pillows, candles, minimal furniture and fresh cut flowers.
• Entertainment equipment and speakers should be minimized. (Staging isn't always practical but it is profitable)
• No books or magazines lying around.
• Make sure the house is clean, dishes are done, beds are made, and laundry is put away.
• Counter tops are to be completely cleaned, no microwaves, toasters, blenders coffee pots, napkin holders).
• Move 1/2 of everything in your cupboards in the garage (Don't forget!!! “You are moving pack the things you do not use daily”).
• Only one garbage can per kitchen. Under the sink.
• Pet dishes, beds, and blankets must be Removed.  (If possible send the pets to Grandma's house for a vacation).
• Make sure all pet stains are cleaned up.
• Remove excess storage cabinets and storage bins.
• Hanging pots must go. So do dish towels, paper towels and paper towel holders.
• Move water dispenser to the garage
• Hang NEW towels in the kitchen and bathrooms. Hang NEW shower curtains in the bathrooms.
• Removed ALL toiletry items from the bathroom and place in a basket or zip bag under the sink. (Set out a large fragrant candle on a candle dish)
• Set Furniture to open up a room in conversation friendly style.
• Children and Animal toys have been picked up and put away.
• Coat racks should be left empty
• No shoe racks at the front door
• Remove excessive wall clutter, especially dried flower wreaths and family photos
• Open window covering (if drapes are old and show a lot of wear, remove them)
• Fireplace must be cleaned.
• Remove throw rugs unless your floors are tile or hardwood.
• The dinning room should look like a dinning room.  Set it as if there is a formal dinner planed for your home.
• Remove all posters, toys trophies and crafts.
• Diaper pails should be undetectable by sight or smell
• Kids should be taught to hid things under beds.
• Put closet doors back on the hinges
• Clean out your closets. 9 out of 10 potential home buyers will open the closet in the master bedroom, make sure it is immaculate Remove unnecessary clothes and shoes and organize your closet
• Take everything off the desk, except the computers, printers, fax machines and lamp. 
• Bookshelves should be organized and 1/2 empty, push all books to the back of the book self and arrange tall to small.
• Remove plastic runners under the chairs.
• Remove diplomas, schooling certificates, awards, and personal photographs.
• Remove any exercise equipment from the living room, family room or bedroom
• Only washer and dryer in the laundry room. Everything else goes. No detergent, No clothes and No clothesline.  If your laundry facility is in the garage, put a rug in front of the washer and dryer. If possible add a dividing screen to divide the laundry machine from the garage it makes it look separate from the garage.
• Pack away all alcohol, wine and beer, leave decanters ice bucket (one bottle of wine can remain in the ice bucket) and crystal glassware. (Don’t forget to remove the bowl of matches, stack of coasters and jar of swizzle sticks.)
• Remove all items except lamps off of the night stands. That means alarm clocks, tissue boxes, telephones, books, glasses that means they can be store under the bed for easy access.
• Make sure your yard is clean (both front and back) hoses are neatly organized,
• Your grass areas must be green and free of bare spots. All weeds and dead plants need to be Removed
• Power wash the decking, entryway and driveway.
• Make sure your pool is clean and all cleaning tools are put away.
• Be aware of cat, dog, ethnic cooking and smoking orders.
• Take trash out daily.
• Keep your home staged until it is appraised and all contingencies are removed.

• Now you are ready for the virtual tour and picture day. These last tips will help when the agents show your home.

Call me if you have any questions or concerns, my direct number is 909-945-5763