Stage right the first time: You only have one chance to make a first impression.

More than a  few weeks ago I shared that I had the opportunity to work with my parents who are in the process of selling their home. Not only was I able to walk out their home feeling better about, but also I was able to teach them a few tricks here or there that are must do’s, or must haves when considering to sell your home.  Since the staging and new photos on their site they have had Realtors in there like MAD and I am eager to see when it sells.

This is what they took away from the weekend with Darryl and I.

1. Have your home make a good impression.   You know the old saying.”You only have one chance to make a good impression!”. Well this is even truer with your home. The moment that prospective buyers walks through your home, they are immediately judging your space! I know it seems cruel, but it really is true.  Take this opportunity to bring out the very best that your home has to offer.

It all starts outside.  The  landscaping and the atmosphere at your front door must be inviting.  Take  this time to perhaps give your front door a fresh coat of  paint, scrub your walk way, plant some new annuals or bring in a potted arrangement done up by your local nursery. You would be amazed how this all has a great play on the overall feel of the front of your house.

2. Start packing, and sooner is better that later.   One of the first things you can do when selling your home is just a glimmer in your eye is to start organizing and de-cluttering . It’s far easier to stage a home that is clear of the clutter bug.  No one wants bugs in their home right?  Sorry I couldn’t resist that one…

3. Lighten up! New home owners want to walk into bright and inviting homes.  This is the time to paint over any existing dark colors or anything too trendy or dated.  Remove old wall paper,  decals, and wall paper boarders.  You will be amazed what  a fresh coat of paint will do for your space!  Neutral paint can work wonders for buyers that can’t see past the dated wall paper or stong wall color. Rent or borrow up to date furniture to send the message to future buyers that your home has been well maintained.

4. Keep it clean.  All bathrooms, kitchens and basically all spaces in your home must sparkle!  All surfaces should gleam and neatness really counts. Tidy up beds, straighten up towels, and fix throw pillows.  This is the opportunity to show the future buyers that this home has been taken care of and was respected.

5. Create rooms with purpose.  Make sure the rooms in your home are being used properly.  If the room is supposed to be a “guest room”, then make it up as that.  Consider a space that you use for your treadmill to be re-purposed as a spare room.  Buyers like to see the potential of guests, and that means you need bedrooms.  Office spaces are also very important to buyers as well.

That is just 5 ways you can get your home ready to sell. Do you have any loose ends you need to take care of first when it comes to getting your home ready to sell?  If so I would love to hear them and answer any questions you may have. Come back next week and I will share some more good ideas to take into your home to get it ready to sell.

Happy Staging!