Presentation is a key component to almost any business, and this holds particularly true to the real estate industry. When preparing to sell your home, proper staging can be one of the most lucrative investments you make. Showcasing your property to its fullest potential will not only help fetch a higher price, but can also drastically reduce your days on market. So where should you start? Below are a list of key areas you can address before a showing without having to break the bank. DECLUTTER The first thing you should do when staging your home is get rid of the clutter. Clear those counters, tossing all the old mail and outdated magazines. Pick up the children’s toys and organize them into storage bins. Line up books neatly on a shelf. Don’t just throw everything into a closet, as this will make them appear smaller to potential buyers. 
CLEAN Okay, this one seems pretty obvious, but I mean really clean. Scrub everything to try and make it appear as close to new as possible. Dust and wipe down all your light fixtures. Rent a carpet shampooer and do your best to eliminate any stains. Polish the floors and tables to make them shine. Most importantly, scour the bathroom, removing all signs of mildew, hair, and soap stains. LIGHTING Believe it or not, most homes have improper lighting, falling short of the suggested 100 watts per 50 square feet. Do your best to showcase different types of lighting, including ambient (overhead), task (reading), and accent (table or wall) lighting. Also, be sure to open blinds and curtains to make the most of your natural light, and if you have the money, replace your outdated or broken fixtures. Installing some modern recessed lighting could be just the thing to spruce up that kitchen. FURNITURE 
The layout of your furniture can go a long way to defining a room. First, make sure you have the right size and amount of furniture for each space. Having an oversized couch or too many tables can make a room appear smaller and feel crowded. Second, give yourself the freedom to rearrange your furniture. That end table might be in your bedroom right now, but it just may be better served helping to create the perfect sitting area in your den. Try pushing your chairs and couches away from the walls and grouping them to create a better flow. Lastly, use your furniture to accentuate a room’s focal point. Arranging some chairs and side tables by a fireplace or large bay window can help direct a buyer’s attention to the room’s most attractive features. DEPERSONALIZE Although you may be very proud of that family portrait or the framed picture of you with that famous celebrity, they’re not going to help garner an offer on your home. Potential buyers want to imagine the house as if it was their own and picture themselves already living there. Anything that could potentially take them out of that vision should be taken down or removed. Go around your house and box up all the family photos, band posters, and anything else that personalizes the home. 
DEODORIZE It may not have anything to do with the overall structure or functionality of the house, but an offensive odor can instantly turn off potential buyers. Most people have become desensitized to any smells in their own house, so it’s a good idea to invite a friend or family member over to help advise you. Using a fabric shampooer on the carpets and couches is a great way to remove pet odors, while smokers should do their best to take their cigarettes outside. Stay away from using aerosol sprays as these can be overpowering and deliver an unnatural scent. Instead, try baking a tray of cookies or an apple pie prior to a showing. MAKE IT NEW AGAIN There are several cost cutting ways to freshen things up around your home and make them appear new again. For instance, a relatively cheap way to update your cabinets and drawers is to purchase all new hardware. You’ll be surprised just how big of a difference it can make. If your dishwasher is scratched and dented, contact the manufacturer and find out if you can order a new faceplate rather than buying a brand new unit. To liven up those dingy walls, add a fresh coat of paint. You don’t have to be daring with your choice of color, as even a nice bright white will help those walls pop once again. DON’T FORGET THE EXTERIOR! 
Sometimes owners get so caught up with staging their home’s interior that they forget the first things potential buyer’s will see is the exterior. You only get one shot at a first impression, so make sure not to neglect your front entranceway. Prior to a showing, take care that your lawn is cut, your hedges are trimmed, and your gardens are well-maintained. If you haven’t done so in a while, consider power washing your house. It’s much cheaper than adding a new coat of paint and can have almost as much impact on the appearance of your home. Finally, adding plants along your walkway, installing flower boxes to your windows, and purchasing a new welcome mat are all inexpensive ways to create a more inviting entrance to your property. CONCLUSION Properly staging your home can make all the difference in whether or not you receive an offer from a showing, especially in a buyer’s market. However, while you should be sure not to neglect the staging process, you also shouldn’t go overboard with your spending. To get the most bang for your buck, concentrate on accentuating what you already have rather than adding additional features. If done correctly, buyers will recognize the full potential of your property and it will be reflected in their offers.
Image Courtesy of Roosh Photography
Image Courtesy of Roosh Photography
Image Courtesy of Roosh Photography
Image Courtesy of Roosh Photography
