How to Stage Houses to Sell

Net top dollar by thoroughly staging your home.

Staged homes sell faster than non-staged homes, and they command better offers. An inviting home can sell for 15 to 20 percent more than one that is unchanged, according to Bob Vila. Seeing around clutter, grime and personal items is impossible for the average house hunter. Depersonalizing your space will ensure that buyers notice your home, and not your knickknacks. Because the potential payoff is substantial, giving your property a mini face-lift is worth the sweat equity.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Storage space
• Flowers and plants
• Wet vacuum
• Mulch and wood chips
• Power washer
• Sound system
• Snacks

Instructions

Prepare, Persist and Perfect

1. 

   Taking photos will help you see your home in a whole new light.

   Snap photos of your property's exterior and interior to discover any weak areas. It's difficult to be objective with your own home, but pictures will tell you the truth in a straightforward manner. An iffy paint color or a cluttered living room will become painfully obvious to you when viewed in photos. Your goal is to correct problems before you list your home on the market.

2. Strike a balance between a cluttered home and a furnished one. Remove too many furnishings, and your home will appear desperate; keep too many belongings, and your home will look chaotic. In general, if you have a small home, you should err on the side of putting too much furniture and decor in storage. But no matter how large or small your space is, you should minimize knickknacks. According to Barb Schwarz of StagedHomes.com, you should limit decorative objects to no more than one, three or five items per table. Limit the small appliances on your kitchen counter to three or fewer.

3. 

   Real flowers impart a wholesome vibe to your space.

   Freshen up your space with fresh flowers and plants. Large potted plants work well in empty corners, particularly when illuminated by a floor up-light. A simple bouquet of daisies lends a clean ambiance to your bathroom, and seasonal flowers on the front porch provide a warm welcome to guests.

4. Say good-bye to outdated curtains and old mini-blinds. Bare windows make your space appear larger, according to "Good Housekeeping," so you may fearlessly leave your windows unadorned. But keep silk drapes, high-end wooden blinds and new curtains.

5. 

   No one wants to deal with soiled, malodorous carpet.

   Clean your carpets and be merciless. When potential buyers view your home, they are unfamiliar with the space, so they will spend much of their time looking down. Soiled or smelly carpet is unacceptable, so rent a wet vacuum to thoroughly remove traces of Fido's accident or your last wine soiree. If removing stains or odors proves impossible, replacement is a must.

6. Revive your landscape. A weedy lawn with overgrown hedges makes a pitiable first impression, but buyers swoon for a manicured backdrop with fresh mulch and wood chips. Reseed the lawn as well, suggests Bob Vila.

7. Spray down your siding. Rent a power washer from an equipment rental company and the exterior will appear new again.

Make Your Showings Count

1. 

   Fido and Fluffy could be a deal-breaker.

   Remove pets before showings to eliminate objections from buyers. Pets are distracting, and buyers wonder how much carpet padding has been destroyed by your furry friends. Hide pet bowls, toys and litter boxes so that your home appears uncontaminated.

2. Play upbeat music in the background to energize your space. Schwarz recommends light FM music.

3. 

   Kick your cleaning routine into high gear.

   Clean like you've never cleaned before, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Remove used bars of soap from the shower, and clean up ragged caulking. Buyers particularly detest unsanitary sinks and bathtubs.

4. Set out a plate of gourmet goodies. While treats won't sell your home, they will cause buyers to linger. A box of chocolates will suffice, says "Good Housekeeping." Helping buyers envision themselves living in your home will bring you one step closer to a sale.

Tips & Warnings

• If decorating proves difficult for you, a professional home stager can help.

• Update old couches and chairs with slipcovers.

• Ask friends to honestly tell you about any odors in your home -- you may no longer notice some objectionable smells.

References

• Bob Vila: Quick Tip - Why Home Staging Pays
• Good Housekeeping; How to Sell Your Home Fast!; Colleen Moriarty; June 2003
• Staged Homes; Quick Tips for Staging Your Home; Barb Schwarz; 2009