by Venture Out

Created on: August 26, 2007

Home Staging Tips and Advice:

Chances are, your home may just sell faster for the best price with a little extra effort on your part. These tips have proved results for several sellers and happy buyers.

First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect so make sure it is fresh, clean, and scrubbed-looking. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged and the yard free of refuse. Be sure snow and ice are removed from walks and steps.

Decorate to sell. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal and if you want top dollar, give the potential buyers the top dollar approach. Why try to tell a prospect how your home could look when you can show him by redecorating? Neutral colors are best.

Let the sunshine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.

Fix plumbing leaks in faucets baths, showers, toilets. Dripping water discolors sinks and flooring and can imply faulty plumbing.

Repairs can make a big difference. Loose door knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws lowers the value of the home in the buyer's eyes. Have any item of structure, mechanical and hardware repaired. (When prospects see things that need attention, they begin to worry about things they can't see.)

Show from top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. A tip to clean dull basements is by painting or washing walls.

Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid a cluttered appearance and possible injuries.

Make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show that the space is ample.

Believe it or Not...Bathrooms help sell homes! Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. The Bathroom(s) sparkle is a terrible thing to waist.

Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture and use attractive/clean bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Let the Sun Shine In. Light is a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

Avoid having too many people present during viewings of the home. Note - If you request your agent to be present at these viewings, they have to be present. If there is too much of a crowd, the potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

Turn off the blaring radios or television. Let the Realtor and buyers talk, free of disturbances.

Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way-take them for a ride or put them outside. If this

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