Home Staging

Staging your home is a low cost way to help you demand the highest possible price in a sale. Some use the phrase "curb appeal" The way we live in our homes will not necessarily translate to help you sell your home. Staging your home gives potential buyers the ability to picture themselves in the home.

First of all you will want to open up the living areas by packing up anything that might clutter up any living areas. While prospective buyers don't want to show a house that is completely empty, moving out unnecessary items helps to make your home feel larger.

You will also want to remove personal items from your home. It is hard for prospective buyers to envision their belongings in your home if they see your toothbrush, deodorant and family photos everywhere.

If possible, arrange for pets to stay with friends or family. Remove pet toys, bowls, beds, etc. A prospective buyer who doesn't like dogs may not be able too get over the mental image of your dog running through "their new house" or sleeping in "their bedroom". A buyer who has a cat may be concerned their cat will mark his territory wherever he smells your cat. A pet free home is worth more to more people.

You need to keep in mind that you're not going to make the changes to live in your home. Your only goal is to show your home at its very best to potential buyers. Without being distracted by clutter and dirt, they'll be able to picture themselves in the home you're trying to sell. They will find it hard to resist making an offer

Home staging could include removing some furniture to make rooms appear larger. Removing a leaf from a dining table plus extra chairs will make your dining room appear larger.

» DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article on 'Home Staging' is a collection of contributions by licensed mortgage professionals and is not the opinion of Broker Outpost LLC. Always consult a licensed professional before applying for a mortgage.