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STAGING THE SELLER'S HOUSE:
You never get a 2nd chance to make a good 1st impression.
In staging their home, the sellers have an opportunity and responsibility to enhance the
salability of their house. The buyer's first impression can mean the difference of
literally thousands of dollars in emotional appeal to a buyer or make the difference of
whether the property sells or sits on the market for months. The sellers should look to
their agents for honest, candid suggestions to increase the visual appearance and maximize
the return of the seller's investment.
1. FRONT AND BACK YARD: Haul trash, mow, edge, fertilize, (Ammonia Sulfate), water, trim
shrubs, open up entryway. Around edges, replace rock or bark or just remove weeds.
2. GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY: Have a garage
sale, clean out and open up the garage workbench, etc. REMOVE OIL SPOTS!
3. PAINTING
OUTSIDE: Nearly every house going on the market should be painted, at least the trim.
Purchase a new doormat. Paint, varnish or simply replace the front doors.
4. PAINTING INSIDE: Use light colors; it gives the feeling of spaciousness and
cleanliness.
5. CARPETS: Do they need to be replaced or at least steam-cleaned and deodorized? Clean
drapes if needed.
6. KITCHEN: Clean counter of clutter, box up and remove extra or unwanted appliances or
utensils. For showing, bake cinnamon rolls or boil herbs and spices for aroma. Lubricate
& adjust all sliding doors and windows.
7. ENTRY: Add a large mirror to give a spacious feeling.
8. CLOSETS: If winter, remove all summer clothing. If summer, remove all winter clothing
so that the closets look spacious. Show off all storage areas by packing & removing
stuff to storage or Goodwill.
9. BATHROOMS: Replace shower curtain, Tilex and clean it until it shines, countertops
clear and clean. No plumbing leaks. Scented soap and fresh towels.
10. BEDROOMS: Tone down the personalization of teenagers' rooms, neat and spacious.
11. FAMILY AND LIVING ROOMS: Spacious, airy, remove extra pictures, collections, trophies,
magazines and furniture, etc. It gives the buyer a chance to see it as their home.
Besides, you need to start packing anyway.
12. LIGHTING: Increase wattage in all fixtures if possible. This is not the time to
conserve electricity.
13. WHEN SHOWING: Get the family involved. TV off, soft music on. All the beds made,
everything picked up, small fire in fireplace, use sprays and deodorizers sparingly, open
drapes and turn lights on. Toilet lid down. Pets out or contained. Remember, 50% of home
purchasers have someone afraid of, allergic to, or simply does not like pets.
14. CONSIDERATIONS:
Hire a painter, hire a gardener, pool service.
Use a temporary storage unit for extra furniture, boxed clothing, utensils, etc.
Use plants or color arrangements to accent.
You are not trying to demonstrate how the seller lives; you are letting the buyers imagine
how they will be living.
If you want quality representation and the backing of a National firm then you want:
Dennis & Sunshine Smith
*Article by Dennis Smith, visit www.SanDiegoHomes4u.com for more original content like
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