Here are several simple tips for staging your home to sell and hopefully net top dollar!

First Impressions Matter

• The very first thing potential buyers are going to see is the outside of your home as they pull up to the curb
• The lawn should be recently mowed
• Dead plants should removed, fences mended, and on doors and shutters that have paint that's wearing thin, should be given a new coat 
• If they are impressed as they walk up the driveway, you have them started off on the right foot

• Sellers are wise to go beyond a quick broom sweep and counter wipe prior to listing
• Use a microfiber mop/duster on the ceiling, trim, light bulbs, baseboards, and walls
• Vacuum shades and curtains
• Wipe down the fridge, stove top, and dishwasher
• Dust frames, artwork, and electronics 
• Wash throw pillow covers, or dry clean pillows 

• Removing excess clutter is the best way to depersonalize and help buyers imagine themselves in your home 
• A lighter space feels bigger, brighter, and catches the eye more than a dark, overcrowded room
• If it's within your budget, one great option to clear the clutter and unnecessary furniture is to rent a storage unit 

• Brand new white or neutral linens in the bathroom and bedroom help the home feel cleaner, lighter, and more relaxing
• Reserve untouched towels, sheets, and bedspreads for showings and continue using the old stuff until closing
• Once you move, the new linens can become your everyday use items in your new property for a renewed look and feel

• For curtains, try light and airy sheers that allow for substantial natural light 
• Consider moving (or installing) rods above the window frame to make the room appear longer and larger
• New rods give the room a sophisticated feel and many models are quite stylish, inexpensive, and easy to install

• Subtle decorations and accent pieces can be relatively inexpensive and add a great finishing touch to a room or space 
• Consider displaying attractive accents such as plants, non-personal photos and artwork, area rugs, or flowers
• This could help sway them to decide your property is the right home for their needs

• Make time for a quick run to the local hardware store and get everything you need to take care of any maintenance issues you are aware of with your home
• If you can help it, you don't want the buyers home inspection to identify numerous fixes and jeopardize the sale of your home 
• Things like leaky faucets and paint touchups need to be addressed 

• A simple way to make your rooms appear brighter and cleaner is with a fresh coat of neutral paint
• Many buyers will see the new paint as a plus as it may mean they will not necessarily have to repaint if they buy your home
• The fresher and newer your home looks, the better your chances are of a positive selling experience 

• Making your home shine based on what is in style is a positive move
• Overall, opt for neutral, yet fashionable, home goods that will evoke positive feelings from buyers 
• Fresh interiors help the vast majority of homes and aid in drawing the eye away from dated or damaged features

• Remember to look through the eyes of pontential buyers and keeping things neutral and impersonal 
• Selling and preparing for the accompanying move can be a tedious process
• This is especially true when you have to pay more attention to the house you are leaving than the on you are going to