SpaceLift - redesign for living, staging and selling
do-it-yourself
Five Basic Guidelines for Preparing a House for Sale:
1. Create Curb Appeal
Buyers will judge a home by what they see from the street when driving by. They will also cross a potential home off their list based on what they see online when viewing the virtual tour. You may want to hire a lawn service to get your lawn and plants in shape. Put away toys, yard ornaments, rent a storage shed if you need to for bicycles or other equipment that clutter the yard. Repaint or varnish the front door. Buy a new doormat.
2. Thoroughly Clean
A clean house looks cared for. You want the buyer to feel that your house has been well maintained. And a clean house smells good. Use lemon oil, lemon wax or fresh flowers to create a lasting scent. Sweeten the refrigerator with a box of baking soda. Eliminate pet odors, tobacco or cooking smells. Make sure everything from ceiling fans to baseboard is dust and dirt-free.
3. Eliminate Clutter
You want the buyer to see the house and its features, so less is more. Remove pieces of furniture that make the room look crowded. Do not hang pictures on every wall. You will need to move them anyway, so get a head start by packing up toys and items that you don’t use every day and store them. Buyers will look inside cabinets and closets, so pack up what you don’t need and store it. You want to create the impression that there is plenty of space for their belongings.
4. Neutralize
Just like in model homes, you need to create a neutral environment. Paint walls a neutral color that accents the home’s best features. As you’ve seen on HGTV shows, de-personalize the space by removing personal items. That means taking down family photos and other items that will distract the buyer’s attention. You want them to see themselves living in the house.
5. Emphasize
Highlight the positive elements in your home. Fireplaces, open staircases, built-in bookcases, nooks and crannies are architectural features that give a house character. Declutter the spaces and add accessories that enhance those special features.
We offer more ideas, inspiration and must-read articles here, on our resources page.