How To Stage A Home

How To Stage A Home

Author: Jake Marsh

Many homeowners don´t take the time to maximize the potential of theirproperty before listing it. A few cosmetic changes can go a long way to helpyour home sell fast, and for more: recent studies suggest that this process,known as "staging," can increase the sale price of your home by seven to ten percent.

What is staging? It´s simply the act of arranging your home in a way thathelps the buyer easily imagine themselves living there - setting the stage forthem. Potential buyers don´t want to imagine cleaning the house (moving isenough work!), so be sure that the house is spotless. A fresh coat of neutralpaint is a quick and easy way to brighten a room and remove traces of your kids´sticky fingers. Minor cosmetic fixes, such as peeling paint, should be takencare of before you begin showing.

Think of the mood of each room - help the buyer form an emotional attachmentto your home. You want rooms to appear spacious, so remove all clutter andanything too personal (personal photos, posters, fridge decorations, etc.).Maximize counter space in the kitchen by removing extra appliances, dish racks,etc. Make room in the closets by packing away out of season clothing.

This said, people want to buy homes, not empty spaces. Every room shouldcontain furniture, even if the house is vacant. All bedrooms should containbeds, and in family homes it can help to set up children´s rooms. A new set ofcabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to update your kitchen or bathroom.Brushed metallic finishes (such as chrome) can quickly modernize a room.

Lighting is essential. Open the blinds where possible, add lamps and increaseyour wattage in the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure your home is warm - itshould be heated for showing even if no one is living in it. You want the spaceto feel inviting.

Accessorize! Candles, plants, bright throws and pillows are all inexpensiveoptions to stylize and spruce up dowdy rooms or furniture. Set your dining roomtable for a dinner party. Add freshly cut flowers to the table.

And finally - how does your house smell? Unpleasant odors will likely scareoff potential buyers. Don´t smoke in the house while you are attempting to sellit. Use carpet fresheners. Be diligent about cleaning your pet´s litter box on adaily basis. While some air fresheners and incense can irritate allergies,essential oils are usually a safe bet - use a few drops in an oil burner to setthe mood in your home. In the kitchen, boiling a pot of water with cinnamonsticks can give the room a warm feeling.

A minimum amount of effort and money can transform your property into a homethat sticks in buyers minds. Be creative - there are a variety of televisionshows and decorating magazines that will help you find inspiration whatever yourbudget. Remember, your goal is to create an atmosphere where potential buyersfeel at home. Have fun.

Jake Marsh is an experienced, professional real estate agent with a degree inmarketing, who specializes in Denver,Colorado real estate. For access to Denver MLS listings ,contact Jake today or visit http://www.jakemarsh.com.