How to Stage Your Home to Sell

The following article describes the steps necessary to stage a home for maximum appeal.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. ENTRANCE. The exterior and front door must be inviting, clean, and freshly painted. If the entrance lock or handle doesn't look new, replace it. Place colorful potted plants at the front entrance.

2. FOYER. The foyer must be clean and the floors polished. If there is furniture, it must also sparkle. Prospective buyers may be accompanied by agents, family, or friends, and they will pause in the entrance area. Make certain there is sufficient room.

3. KITCHEN. A kitchen can sell a home, but it must be great. Put away the coffee maker, blender, toaster, etc. after each use. Polish sinks, floors, and counter tops. You're going for "Best in Class," and you won't be if you're not willing to make a few sacrifices.
   
   Clean out the pantry and cabinets, and donate or sell anything you haven't used in the last year. Buyers must see that their stuff will fit in your kitchen; if it looks cluttered, you lose.

4. DINING ROOM. The dining table must be clean and the surface polished to a brilliant shine. Set the table for 4 with your finest china, crystal, and linen napkins. (Borrow it if necessary) Remove any furniture that keeps the room from feeling spacious. Polish the chandelier and replace burned-out bulbs.

5. MASTER BEDROOM. The first impression of the master suite comes at the doorway. How does it look? If the room feels crowded, remove some of the furniture. Nightstands should contain a lamp and alarm clock only; put away phones, tissue, or medicines.
   
   Organize the closet and remove excess clothing. Create some empty space. Prospects must see plenty of room for their clothes.

6. MASTER BATH. For many buyers the master bath is second to the kitchen in importance. Make it clean, neat, and sexy. Tile, tubs, floors, and counters should sparkle. Clear counters of all cosmetics, and all the items you use in the morning, except for a bottle or two of nice perfume or moisturizer. Place new towels on towel bars and, of course, don't use them.

7. FAMILY/LIVING ROOM. Most have too much furniture, unsightly jumbles of electronic equipment and TV's, and are too dark. Make it neat, uncluttered, and easy to navigate. Remove excess furniture, with nothing left on coffee or end tables except lamps and one or two nice books.

8. GARAGE. Frequently the most neglected area in a home, a clean and neatly organized garage appeals to both sexes. Find a place away from home to store your stuff until the home is sold, and don't use the garage to store the boxes you're packing for your move.

Tips & Warnings

• REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS SUCH AS: PHOTOS, AWARDS, OR TROPHIES. NEVER LEAVE DIRTY DISHES, FOOD, DIRTY TOWELS OR WASHCLOTHS IN VIEW.
• Don't assume that your decorating appeals to the masses; try to get an unbiased critique. Your goal is to appeal to the largest number of people. Unusual colors or decorating turns off most buyers.

Resources

• Preparing your home for sale

[qvcp]

on 2/9/2009 I think this will be helpful for the sale of my home.