THE IMPORTANCE OF STAGING IN TODAY’S MARKET.

• February
• 22

9:05 am Seller Tips

Two years ago there were 3,000 active listings in MLS. There are now over 12,000. We have the same number of buyers, but with the mortgage industry tightening financing, it is much more difficult for a buyer to obtain a loan. When there are three to ten active listings in the same neighborhood (which is often the case), your home must stand out from the rest in order to get the buyer’s attention.This means it should be in impeccable condition starting from the outside in. The first view a buyer gets of your home is from the curb, so landscaping and curb appeal are extremely important just to get the buyer into your property. Make sure the front door looks inviting enough for the buyer to want to enter, and repair and paint all wood rot on the outside of the home. If the home needs to be pressure washed, this is not that expensive and could make a world of difference in the outside appearance. Just make sure you use a professional to do this, as you can also ruin the appearance of the outside of your home, if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Once the buyer is in, the windows should be clean and the blinds open and all light fixtures should have working light bulbs in them, as most buyers prefer a bright home with lots of light as opposed to a dark and gloomy house where it appears the seller is trying to hide something. If the walls are too dark, paint them a lighter, more neutral color. Place luxurious looking towels and rugs in the bathrooms. Attractive bedspreads and decorative pillows in the bedrooms can take the buyer’s attention away from the furniture.

Ask your realtor to show you the competition, so you can get an idea of what you are up against and what you need to do. Your home must have the “WOW” factor.

Fix those little things that have been awaiting your attention for the past two to five to ten years. You may have gotten used to them, but the buyer will notice how well you have maintained the property right away, and this will play a big part in his/her decision.

If you smoke or have animals, smoke outside and make sure the animals are odor-free. Nothing can turn a buyer off faster than a strong odor when he/she enters the home unless it’s the smell of cookies baking.

De-clutter, and remove all the hand-me-down furniture your parents gave you when you graduated from college. Old furniture can make a brand new house look dated.

Have the carpet professionally cleaned, and complete any touch-up painting that may be needed.

Fresh flowers and a clean home are always inviting.

Just put yourself in the buyer’s place, and prepare your home for viewing as you would like to see it through a buyer’s eyes.