All The World’s A Stage: Staging Your Home For A Successful Sale

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By mia bolaris-forget

In the market for a new home? For many couples upgrading or moving means first having to sell the home they already have. But, selling your home sweet home, especially in today’s tougher economy, may mean making it homier for others.

· Clean living is appealing: That’s right, everyone wants to achieve the “American Dream”, and that means a picture perfect home that’s reminiscent of The Life Of Riley with everything pristinely in place. So, first things first, spruce up your space by cleaning it and ridding it of odours that may be offensive to prospective buyers. Open windows, wash floors, and walls and get carpets and upholstery cleaned if needed. Next, get rid of clutter and mess, even put some of your furniture in storage if it contributes to making your home look less spacious. Just remember to place it in storage and not in your garage, since buyers will want to take a peek in there too.

· Throw on a coat: Of fresh paint that is. And, pick a colour that is gender neutral. Remember, your taste, may not be the buyers taste and anything other than neutral may be a turnoff. Remember, your job is to help the buyer picture himself or herself in YOUR home, and that means doing away with anything or most things that show off your personality and your claims to the property.

· Establish distinctive comfort zones: Instead of clutter adding to your home’s lived-in look consider giving it a homey appeal by adding warm and welcoming accents such as area rugs, curtains, blankets and cushions. You’ll also want to add flowers especially in the kitchen or dining area, the entryway, the master bedroom and the powder room.

· Know your “limits” and “borders”: Defining your space is especially important for an open concept home especially for easing the buyers mind. Achieve this with some large, sisal rugs in neutral tones setting one under the dining-area table and one in the living area. Also, make sure furniture is situated in a clean, traditional layout so that buyers can more easily envision the layout.

· Think OUTSIDE the box: Invite people in, by first making a GREAT first impression for the outside. Make sure your home is neatly landscaped, and that you have at least some flowers to plants that add ambiance and appeal. You can even place a potted plant by the front door on one or two steps.

· Keep it simple: Remember that many selling ploys are public knowledge and buyers will pick up on your intentional efforts to bake cookies just before they stop by. And, that may cause them to be skeptical. Instead, keep it simple, and as natural as possible. For a fresh smell, open some windows and let in some fresh air beforehand.

· Rent it out: Your furniture that is. If you’re furniture is old and ugly or too big for the space, consider renting out some updated pieces from a “stager” to make your space seem more modern and sophisticated. Art is another addition your can rent and add for increased selling appeal.

· Give it a rest: Key rooms that need your attention and that attract the attention of the buyer include the kitchen, the bathroom/washroom and the bedroom. Make sure the latter looks comfy, cozy, and inviting. Add some nice linens, drapes and a couple of bedside tables with some clean and classic lamps.