You are about to put your condo on the market, and of course, you want to get the best price. There are some tips for presenting your home to potential buyers that may increase your chances of getting the asking price. Show off your home’s best features by staging it wisely. According to Nick Caruso in a recent edition of Housecall (The Five Golden Rules of Home Staging on a Budget), on average “people receive $2 in increased sale price for every $1 they put into staging.” Here are his Five Golden Rules to help achieve your goal and get your price.
DE-PERSONALIZE – Buyers need to visualize themselves and their family in the home, so remove wedding photos and those of your kids.
MAXIMIZE – Declutter and maximize the space in your home. Don’t have clothes packed tightly in closets. Use boxes that are stacked together to hold and hide clutter. If possible, store your things temporarily in another area.
SANITIZE – The easiest and least expensive way to stage your home? Just clean it. It will be worthwhile to clean the baseboards, walls, floors, windows, and ceiling fans. Clean your refrigerator, sink, inside the oven and especially the inside of all drawers and cabinets. Buyers do look inside the cupboards. If you have a rug in front of the kitchen sink, remove it. It will make the room look larger. In your bathrooms, clear countertops, clean bathroom tiles, toilets and display white bath and hand towels for a brighter look.
MODERNIZE – Unless your home has wonderful built-ins, try for some updating. Consider replacing the gold dining room fixture with one that is nickel or chrome. Add a decorative headboard in your bedroom to provide a sophisticated focal point and add neutral, color coordinated bed linens and pillows.
NEUTRALIZE – Colors can make or break one’s interest in your home. Brightly colored walls are likely to have little appeal to prospective buyers. Opt for gender neutral paint on the walls to make the rooms look larger.
Focus on certain rooms that are worthy of an inexpensive investment. Open and bright living room is one source of appeal. Be sure the curtains or shades are open before buyers come through. Add a lamp to a dark corner. If the room is very large, a plant will add a wonderful touch.
In your dining room, consider setting the table. Or add a vase of fresh flowers in the center of the table. Not only will it create a focal point, the room will have a delightful aroma.
Additionally, remember to remove pet food bowls and litter boxes. Finally, try an old trick and bake some cookies so that a wonderful aroma greets all who come to see your home. Good Luck!
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