PREPARING YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE

Staging your home is about creativity, not nec-essarily spending a lot of money. The more effort you put into staging, the more likely you are to get top dollar for your property.

Remember that everyone has his or her own style and you’re not trying to impress potential buyers with your particular brand of décor. Rather, you’re trying to present a simple, clean, attractive home that exudes potential – an empty, yet enticing, palette for your home’s next owners.

Kitchen/Dining Areas

• Clear counters– put away appliances, dish drying rack, soaps, etc.
• Remove magnets and pictures from the refrigerator
• Clean the insides of your microwave and oven, straighten the pantry
• Keep only a few decorative accessories on kitchen counters and tables
• Consider new dish towels and rugs (remember anything you buy you will use in your new house too)
• Add a vase of fresh flowers

Family Room

• To give the illusion of a larger room, consider moving some furniture to the garage temporarily
• Consider new vibrant throw pillows on the couch

Bathrooms

• Clear counters, except for a small vase of flowers and/or candles
• Consider new towels and bath mats

Outside

• Consider new doormat and potted flowers on the porch
• Mow lawn, trim shrubs, clean out flowerbeds

General Tips

• Declutter by removing all personal items and photographs. Homebuyers have an easier time seeing themselves in your home if personal items are removed. Don’t forget diplomas and certificates. Leave item if it will create an unsightly hole in the wall.
• Put away excess books and magazines
• Remove valuables, prescription medicine, collectibles, etc.
• Clean windows well.
• Straighten closets. Make them appear larger by packing away out-of-season clothes and shoes.
• Clean fireplace if necessary.
• Consider having carpets cleaned.