| If you are one of the millions of homeowners | | | | priorities, but now is the time to get serious. Any |
| attempting to sell your home, you've undoubtedly | | | | project that has been left undone needs to be |
| been told that times are tough. Not only are | | | | finished or at least finished to the best of your |
| homes all over the country losing value, but sellers | | | | ability/budget. This will be your advantage over |
| have to contend with deeply discounted | | | | foreclosures; many of them are left dirty and in |
| foreclosures and the credit freeze that prevents | | | | disrepair. If your home shines and looks well cared |
| anyone without perfect credit from getting | | | | for, the buyer's perception is their reality! The |
| financed. So what is the secret to selling in today's | | | | number one complaint from real estate agents |
| market? If you are really serious about selling, | | | | who show or visit your home is a lack of |
| you have to be diligent in the one thing that real | | | | cleanliness. Cleanliness also happens to be the |
| estate experts say time and time again will make | | | | hardest part of staging. If you have animals or |
| your home stand out in a crowd. The answer is: | | | | children, you undoubtedly find a mess as soon as |
| Staging. | | | | one is cleaned up. Deep cleaning is the first step. |
| Chances are, if you've bought or sold (or just like | | | | Clean your drapes, dust your window blinds, and |
| watching HGTV) in the past few years, you've | | | | by all means, keep your kitchen spotless! If you |
| heard of the term "staging." Staging is the art of | | | | are leaving the appliances, make sure they are |
| preparing your home to appeal to the most | | | | thoroughly cleaned with a grease cleaner, oven |
| buyers through de-cluttering, organizing, cleaning | | | | cleaner or specialty cleaning agent for your |
| and repairing, and then marketing to your target | | | | appliance. Don't forget the top of the refrigerator |
| audience. The last one may sound like a business | | | | and range hood! You never know how tall your |
| pitch, but it is vitally important. The first four on | | | | potential buyers may be! Then have your family |
| the list are not only important, but will benefit | | | | make a pact and be diligent about it until the |
| your family and your well-being by bringing about | | | | house is sold. |
| a change and newness to your home and | | | | Reaching your target audience: |
| ultimately prepare you for your next move. | | | | This is where the little touches make a big |
| De-Cluttering: | | | | difference. Make sure your home is inviting from |
| This can be a touchy subject for some people. | | | | the inside out. Neutral paint on in the interior, |
| We all know that many items in our home are | | | | adding greenery on tables and shelves, and |
| sentimental but when you have to resort to | | | | dressing up the front porch or entry with a |
| trailblazing a path to the front door, it's time to let | | | | wreath or nice patio furniture will all make an |
| go. If you MUST keep 103 copies of Better | | | | excellent first impression. Put away any kids' toys |
| Homes and Gardens, rent a storage unit while | | | | in the front yard and hide garbage cans the best |
| your house is for sale. You will get back the | | | | that you can. Don't forget to make a lasting |
| money you spend when your house sells faster | | | | impression by having a sheet with all of your |
| and who knows, you may even learn to enjoy | | | | home's information-- schools, shopping, library, golf |
| the extra space!! De-cluttering also includes | | | | course, etc. And last but not least, treat your |
| de-personalizing. Start your packing early by | | | | potential buyers like a new friend: have warm |
| putting family photos, heirlooms and other | | | | coffee or tea brewing, bottled water and cookies |
| personal items in storage. Replace them with | | | | or other snacks readily available in the kitchen. |
| neutral accents or nothing at all. A buyer has to | | | | These are the very basics of home staging. You |
| feel as if the home they walk into could be their | | | | can find many more tips and suggestions on the |
| home. | | | | internet, home and garden programs or with your |
| Organizing: | | | | real estate company. Also, there are many |
| This goes right along with de-cluttering. | | | | professional home stagers who will do the job for |
| Organization and placement of items in your home | | | | you. If the project overwhelms you, this may be |
| will not only make your rooms and closets look | | | | a practical and worthwhile solution. Find these |
| much larger, it will show the buyer that the | | | | professionals online, in the phonebook, ask a |
| current owners are organized and accountable and | | | | friend, or enquire in your local chamber of |
| believe it or not, trustworthy. Check out home | | | | commerce. |
| décor magazines for inspiration and ideas. | | | | The benefits of home staging are lasting long |
| Cleaning and Repairing: | | | | after the ink is dry on the contract. You may just |
| We all put off home repair or remodeling projects | | | | make a habit of staging your next home...for |
| due to lack of funds, schedules and other | | | | yourself! |