| Many homeowners don't take the time to | | | | bathroom. Brushed metallic finishes (such as |
| maximize the potential of their property before | | | | chrome) can quickly modernize a room. |
| listing it. A few cosmetic changes can go a long | | | | Lighting is essential. Open the blinds where |
| way to help your home sell fast, and for more: | | | | possible, add lamps and increase your wattage in |
| recent studies suggest that this process, known | | | | the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure your home |
| as "staging," can increase the sale price of your | | | | is warm - it should be heated for showing even if |
| home by seven to ten per cent. | | | | no one is living in it. You want the space to feel |
| What is staging? It's simply the act of arranging | | | | inviting. |
| your home in a way that helps the buyer easily | | | | Accessorize! Candles, plants, bright throws and |
| imagine themselves living there - setting the stage | | | | pillows are all inexpensive options to stylize and |
| for them. Potential buyers don't want to imagine | | | | spruce up dowdy rooms or furniture. Set your |
| cleaning the house (moving is enough work!), so | | | | dining room table for a dinner party. Add freshly |
| be sure that the house is spotless. A fresh coat | | | | cut flowers to the table. |
| of neutral paint is a quick and easy way to | | | | And finally - how does your house smell? |
| brighten a room and remove traces of your kids' | | | | Unpleasant odors will likely scare off potential |
| sticky fingers. Minor cosmetic fixes, such as | | | | buyers. Don't smoke in the house while you are |
| peeling paint, should be taken care of before you | | | | attempting to sell it. Use carpet fresheners. Be |
| begin showing. | | | | diligent about cleaning your pet's litter box on a |
| Think of the mood of each room - help the buyer | | | | daily basis. While some air fresheners and incense |
| form an emotional attachment to your home. You | | | | can irritate allergies, essential oils are usually a safe |
| want rooms to appear spacious, so remove all | | | | bet - use a few drops in an oil burner to set the |
| clutter and anything too personal (personal photos, | | | | mood in your home. In the kitchen, boiling a pot |
| posters, fridge decorations, etc.). Maximize | | | | of water with cinnamon sticks can give the room |
| counter space in the kitchen by removing extra | | | | a warm feeling. |
| appliances, dish racks, etc. Make room in the | | | | A minimum amount of effort and money can |
| closets by packing away out of season clothing. | | | | transform your property into a home that sticks |
| This said, people want to buy homes, not empty | | | | in buyers minds. Be creative - there are a variety |
| spaces. Every room should contain furniture, even | | | | of television shows and decorating magazines that |
| if the house is vacant. All bedrooms should contain | | | | will help you find inspiration whatever your budget. |
| beds, and in family homes it can help to set up | | | | Remember, your goal is to create an atmosphere |
| children's rooms. A new set of cabinet hardware | | | | where potential buyers feel at home. Have fun. |
| is an inexpensive way to update your kitchen or | | | | |