Home Staging: Why Less is More

With so many home-related shows on television today, it's likely that you've seen the term "Home Staging" in the mix. Yet what exactly does it mean?

Home Staging is the process of preparing your house to be viewed by prospective buyers. It is one step that you can take to elevate your home above all others on the market in your area. Sounds complicated? Not at all. By following a few simple guidelines, you can transform your home into a showplace that you and your agent will be proud to put on display.

Clutter, Clutter, Everywhere

While you may treasure the pieces that you've come to collect over the years, buyers may view your home as messy and unorganized. Pack your precious belongings and tuck them away- they won't be gone forever! Remove as many unnecessary photos and artwork from your walls. Your buyers want to envision how their decor will look in your home.

Coordination is Key

Take some time and look around. Does everything match or do you have a palette of patterns surrounding you? Keep it to a minimum and use fresh, clean colors throughout the house. Remove any old blankets from couches and bedding and replace them with coordinating throws and toss pillows. Keep towels to a minimum in the bathroom and clear the vanity of any toiletries or cosmetics.

Move It!

It may be time to rearrange the furniture around the house. Have you been meaning to discard that old dresser or end table? Now is the time. Be sure that all woodwork is freshly polished and there are no visible stains on any upholstery. Take a few hours to steam clean your carpeting and window treatments and watch them spring back to life.

Keep it Light

After removing artwork and other wall decor, you may notice that there are a few imperfections on the walls. No problem. With some spackle and a gallon of paint in a fresh, neutral shade, you can breathe new life back into any room. Complete the look with new window treatments that allow the natural light to flow throughout the area. If your home is being shown during the evening, keep all lights on- you don't want your buyers to think that you're hiding anything!

Curb Appeal

Let's face it. If you can't see your house, then you can't sell your house. Be sure that your lawn is trimmed and mowed and clean up any scraps around the yard. Adding a few potted plants or flowers on the porch or deck will add a burst of color and keep your yard looking lively and fresh.

If you're currently not residing in your home that is on the market, then it's likely that your possessions aren't, either. Consider renting a few key furniture pieces to decorate your vacant home. It's a small investment that will offer a big return. An empty home may feel cold and impersonal- furnishings offer that cozy, lived-in feel that play on the decorative sense of the buyer.

Home staging raises the value of your home and reduces potential flaws that may cost you money in the long run. With a little imagination and elbow grease, you can create a picture-perfect house that might just start a bidding war!

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