Staging a Home for Sale

Home Sellers Must Look Through the Eyes of the Buyer

Feb 28, 2009 Jan Peterson

Selling a home requires patience, diligence and staging. When potential buyers are expected, stage a property to show off its potential for that buyer!

Homeowners love their homes and are sometimes blind to imperfections when selling. But, if they are serious, they must face the reality that staging a home to sell differs from the way they live in it. There are two entertaining cable series that provide staging in action: HGTVs Designed to Sell and A&E’s Sell This House.

Home Sellers Need to Look Through the Eyes of the Buyer

If a seller walks their property inside and out, pretending to be the buyer, they will see things they walk past everyday. Ignoring even a small problem may prevent a sale when the competition is fierce. A modest amount of money spent for small repairs may result in increased profits or a faster sale.

Staging a Home to Maximize Curb Appeal

Before homebuyers even step inside, they are judging the home’s potential by its exterior. As a result, an unkempt or unattractive view of the outside of the home could turn a buyer away. The homeowner should first step back to the curb and take a good, honest look at their home, and next stand at the front door for a full minute (just like a potentional buyer will as his real estate agent is unlocking the door) and then make any necessary changes.

Move all materials, including trash cans and gardening supplies, from the front yard and into a garage or shed
Mow the lawn, and weed and maintain all planted areas
Replace outdoor light bulbs that are not working
Replace sprinkler heads that are broken
Sweep walkways and steps, and remove clutter from the porch or patio
Replace worn or badly stained door mats
Clean dirty screen doors, threshold, and front door
Wash windows
Place pots of geraniums or other flowers near front door as an inviting touch (and don’t forget to water!)

Staging a Home to Maximize Interior Ambiance

In addition to the home's exterior, an immediate impression is made as soon as potential buyers walk through the front door. The foyer should be an inviting entrance with visual interest, and not a “drop off” spot for keys, purses, coins or jackets.

In order to ensure their home is memorable in a positive way, home sellers can take steps throughout the home to show its potential and enhance appeal. They can:

Clear away as much clutter as possible
Turn on flattering lights in every room
Minimize décor to an understated level
Store away unnecessary appliances off the kitchen countertops
Remove all personal photos and items so prospective buyers can imagine their own family in the home.
Rearrange or remove furniture to open up a room.
Keep each room clean, dusted and vacuumed.
On Open House day (or any day expected to be active) have freshly baked cookies, or simmer apple cider and cinnamon sticks in a crock pot. Place potpourri strategically around the home.
Play soft music on the stereo or intercom system.

All of these steps are simple and logical, but sometimes not considered important. While some buyers can see the "bones" of the home and look past toys all over the floor or dishes in the sink, don’t depend on it.

Most buyers assume that a cluttered home doesn’t have enough storage; that a dirty home hasn’t been maintained; and a dimly lit home is depressing and gloomy. Staging a home correctly can sell the home and even mean more green for the seller. So, If the homeowners don't feel comfortable staging a home themselves, they should seek the advice of a professional stager. The expense is worth it!

The copyright of the article Staging a Home for Sale in Interior Decorating is owned by Jan Peterson. Permission to republish Staging a Home for Sale in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.