Staging and Preparing your home

Preparing your home for sale is a must do in this challenging time in Real Estate. Unlike years past when the boom was going strong and it was a sellers market. You must now adjust to be in a buyers market. What that means to you is making sure your property/home shines far brighter than any other property in your area and price range. Try and think of your home as a person that is competing in a beauty pageant. OK.. you get the picture, only the most beautiful, put together property is going to sell first and sell fast.

Put 1 to 2 months worth of mortgage payments aside for preparing your home in this big competition. That is if you can afford to put away this much cash for updating. Some updating suggestions really cost nothing. The funds you put aside can be put to good use.. things like, paint, landscaping,...etc.

1) De clutter -- its a no brainer but you would be surprised at the amount of stuff we all collect and do nothing with. Approach this task as though you are moving out. If you haven't used it in a year, off to the dump pile or yard sale.

2) Clean, Clean, Clean-- this means washing all floors and having carpets professionally cleaned, wash all windows and if you have siding on your home have it power washed.

3)New welcome Mat and paint your front door with a fresh coat of paint.

4)If you have a yard. Mow and rake, plant new flowers, sweep and power wash your walk way. Adding new mulch can give the appearance of a well maintained property. Ask your local nursery what plants will do best in the type of yard you own. Meaning--Sunny, shaded...etc. They will be able to recommend the best flowers/plants for your dwelling

5) Rooms should have furniture that is in scale with its dimensions. If you have small room instead of a sectional sofa change it to a love seat. Rooms shouldn't look crowded or too sparse.. SCALE SCALE SCALE

6)Remove all personalized pictures, items..etc. Buyers don't want to see who lives in the home. They want to see themselves living there.

7)Repaint rooms that need it. More than likely if the room hasn't seen new paint in 3-4 years a new coat will liven up the dwelling. Stick with neutral colors. Living rooms should be warm. Colors like gold, tan, light coffee. Stay way from bold colors, you may like them but your potential buyers may not.

8)Clean your fireplace.

9)If you have an open floor plan where the living room and dining room are connected add an area rug under your dining table and one in front of your sofa. This will define both area's'

10)Remove as much from your closets as possible and store it under your bed or out of your house. Buyers will often be looking to see how much storage space you actually have. Remember you want an edge over the competition.