Every Home’s a Stage

First impressions are important.  When deciding to sell a home you need to do some “home staging” to increase appeal and secure a quick sale at top dollar, regardless of the market.  Home staging is nothing more than preparing a home for sale by “setting the stage” to emphasize its best features.  Sellers must regard there home as a product if they’re going to realize the highest return on investment.  Home staging can be done on different levels from thorough cleaning to total renovations; sellers can spend as little or as much as needed. Here are some guidelines to prepare your home for sale:

1. Create Curb Appeal – At a minimum the yard should be mowed and edged.  Keep landscaping simple; use inexpensive mulch for color and texture. Make sure doorknobs and windows are clean, and screens are repaired. Front walks should be free of debris.  If you can’t afford to paint the exterior try pressure cleaning.
2. Clean Meticulously – Dirt is a turnoff.  It spells neglect and makes the buyer wonder what else is wrong. Clean the whole house from the top of the ceiling fans to the bottom of the baseboards. Carpets should be professionally cleaned.  If a house is clean, smells good and looks good buyers respond.
3. Clear Clutter – Buyer’s typically decide if they like the house in the first 10 seconds of walking in.  It’s difficult to imagine them living in a house crammed with someone else’s belongings. Pack early, organize closets to accentuate spaciousness. If you use your garage for storage make sure it’s organized.
4. Make Repairs - Make minor repairs such as painting walls and fixing leaks. Some repairs such as replacing burnt countertops or new appliances may be costly but homeowners can either do the repairs now or price the house accordingly because a buyer will base an offer on all the things that need fixing.
5. Rearrange Rooms – If rooms are theme decorated play it down.  Replace outdated wallpaper with fresh paint. Move out furniture that doesn’t fit. Put fresh flowers in the bedrooms and guest towels in the bath.  As a seller strive for a model-home atmosphere.
6. Let the Sunshine in – Updating window treatments to let more light will greatly enhances a home’s appeal.  New treatments are money well spent because a buyer knows it stays with the home.
7. Keep Pets Backstage – Not every buyer is pet friendly. Keep pets away when buyers are viewing your home.  Keep food bowls and litter boxes out of sight. .

For more tips on home staging and selling your home contact:

   Thania Vernon                     Robert Vernon
          Broker                         Broker-Associate
    305.582.3761                         305.606.9539

260 Crandon Blvd.  Suite 25, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149

Vernon and Vernon P.A.