Simple Staging Ideas For Sellers

Everyone wants their home to sell for top dollar and we would never want a Seller to miss out on equity by selling too low. When you decide to sell your home, utilize a few of these simple techniques to help you get your home ready for buyers to tour and consider it their new home...and make strong high priced offers!

Statistically the national average is that homes that are "staged" may sell for up to 5% more than homes that aren't staged. This should encourage a potential seller even more to put some of these tips to good use when preparing for a sale themselves. 

Increase the value of your home utilizing some of the following ideas...

Depersonalize

We often have to have what we call a "difficult conversation" with Sellers about turning the home they love into a property to sell. There are memories and emotions tied up in so many parts of a home, and that's why it's important to take this portion of staging seriously. It is far easier for potential buyers to consider your property their home without your personal items in full display. 

• Remove 90% of Your Family Photos 
• Pack Up Collections & Memorabilia 
• Consider Making Rooms That Have a Theme As Neutral As Possible  

Space & Storage 

Chances are you may be selling because you need more space & storage! However, when selling your house you certainly want it to seem as open, inviting and spacious as possible. This can be achieved with some packing boxes and sometimes a temporary storage unit. 

• Empty Closets By At Least Half - It Gives The Impression Of More Space
• Go Room By Room & Pack Up At Least 30% Of Each Room 
• Make Your Dining Room Table As Small As Possible By Removing The Insert To Give The Illusion of More Space
• Evaluate How Much Of The Furniture You Must Keep In Each Room. If You Can Live Without It - Remove It. 
• Remove As Much Off The Kitchen Counters As Possible. Too Many Items On The Counters Can Make The Kitchen Seem Much Too Small. 

So Fresh & So Clean 

Never underestimate the power of a clean house that smells delicious. This often over looked tactic is an absolute must when selling a property. 

• Consider Hiring A Professional Cleaning Crew To Do A Deep Clean. 
• Take A Serious Look At The Carpet. Have Them Professionally Cleaned If Needed. 
• Replace Your Shower Curtain. This Inexpensive Purchase Makes The Bathroom Look Current & Will Remove Any Lingering Smells That Can Get Trapped In An Old Shower Curtain. 
• Pet Odors. Be Diligent About The Changing Of Litter Boxes, Pet Hair Removal & Regular Grooming Of Your Furry Friends.  

Maintenance Items

Go through your property with your real estate professional and have them make suggestions about maintenance items that should be corrected prior to showing the property. When items are broken or not working it gives the impression that there are underlying repairs that may be needed...and costly. 

• Do A Light Bulb Check Throughout The House. Any Bulbs That Are Out Should Be Replaced. Better Yet...Update To 100 Watt Bulbs That Really Light Up The Rooms. Simple Yet Very Effective. 
• Look At Your Window Blinds & Coverings. Make Sure They're In Working Order, Dusted & Open For Showings. 
• Touch Up Paint & Nail Holes Throughout The Home.
• Be Objective About The Exterior Of The House. Yards Should Be Tidy & Any Dead Plants Removed. Consider Some Inexpensive Flowers For Maximum Curb Appeal.   

Buyer Tours & Showings 

The old adage is true - you only have one opportunity to make a great first impression! Consider these final tips a must when buyers and their agents are touring your home. 

• Open All Windows & Turn On All Interior Lights
• Be Cautious About The Foods You Cook As Many Things Can Leave An Odor That Can Quickly Turn Off A Buyer
• When Choosing Candles & Scents For Your Home Consider One Scent That Carries On From Room to Room - Choose From Vanilla, Citrus, Pine/Cedar & Neutral Herbs. 
• All Beds Should Be Made, Toilet Seats Closed & Every Room Tidy.   

Putting these staging tips and techniques to good use will make your home show beautifully and help you maximize the equity in your property. With the assistance of a real estate professional you'll be well on your way to a quick and profitable sale in no time. 

When you're ready to sell your property, we hope you will consider The John & Tonic Group with Keller Williams Realty Southwest to be your agents for this important transaction. With over 20 years of experience in the Las Vegas market your home sale will be in front of potential buyers and investors ready to offer top dollar in a short amount of time.