Staging Your Home

You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Positive first impressions often create immediate sales. The way you live in your home and the way you sell your house are two different things. Your home is a reflection of you and your family's personality and lifestyle. The house you are selling should be viewed as a product. Anything you can do to package this "product" for the marketplace will help you secure the results you are looking for. A well polished house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home, because they feel more confident that overall the house has been maintained.  

CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER 

* Remove overcrowding furniture 

De-clutter : * Overflowing closets * Crowded kitchen and bathroom countertops * Edit your family photos or collectibles on display, potential buyers won't be able to see your home as ‘theirs' * Garages and basements should be organized * Start packing-get rid of anything you don't need or use * Donate unneeded items or have a yard sale * Open drapes (dark rooms are unappealing) * Clean and repair windows * Turn on all lights * Adjust temperature according to the season (warm and cozy in winter, cool and refreshing in summer) .This is not the time to save on utility costs 

CREATING A BUYING MOOD 

* Play soft, soothing background music (turn off the TV) * Wash walls/floors and clean kitchen and bathrooms * Vacuum floors * Make it feel like home with fresh flowers, the aroma of freshly baked goodies or microwave a small dish of vanilla twenty minutes before the showing and place it in an out of the way place in the kitchen * Keep pet areas clean and odour free (place pets outside or in a kennel) air out your home one half hour before the showing * If you have a fireplace, highlight it in your decorating * Simplify your cuisine, some dishes, although they may be favourites, may turn off buyers. Refrain from meals that may be offensive to others 

CURB APPEAL By maximizing the curb appeal of your home, you increase the potential for a positive response 

* Cut the lawn, trim the hedges and shrubs * Weed and edge the garden * Use flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkways, and patio * Paint and repair the mail box or replace it if necessary * Clear driveway and walkway of snow or leaves * Repair soffits and eaves troughs * Paint all trim * Paint, fix or upgrade front door and screen door * Make sure all door locks are working. Remove unsightly and unwanted items * Repair any broken bricks or structures that require attention 

MAINTENANCE 

* Repair leaking taps/toilets * Tighten cupboard doors and latches * Repair holes and cracks in walls  

* Touch-up chipped paint on corner walls * Repair seals around the tub and basin * Clear driveway and walkway of snow or leaves * Replace burnt out light bulbs * Oil any squeaky doors, paint, fix or upgrade front door and screen door * Make sure all light switches are easily accessible and free of finger smudges * Repair/replace all broken tiles on floors, kitchen counters or bathrooms 

USE YOUR NOSE Some people are extremely sensitive to odours. Your house should smell fresh as soon as you open the front door.  

To eliminate any bad smells: 

* Bathe your pets * Freshen the cat litter box frequently * Shampoo your carpets * Empty trash and recycling bins * If you smoke, smoke outside away from the entry * Refrain from cooking strong-smelling foods * Introduce pleasing smells by placing flowers or potpourri in your home and using air fresheners  

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN Here is your chance to clean up in real estate! Every room in your home should be spotless, especially the kitchen and the bathrooms. Remember, dirt will cost you money!  

REPAIRS Buyers expect everything in their new home to operate safely and properly. Repair any: * Leaky faucets * Burned out light bulbs * Broken windows * Inoperative appliances etc. should be fixed before putting your house on the market