Staging Your Home For Sale

Staging your home for sale will greatly increase your chances of getting your home sold quicker.

Staging your home for sale has nothing to do with redecoration. Redecorating a home focuses on the seller and the sellers personality. Staging your home for sale focuses on the buyer.

Below are ground level items you should tick off before staging your home for sale.

1.  Remove mulch from contact with your home’s siding.

2. Clean out all of the dirt and debris from the roof.

3. Move water away from house from places like downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc. 

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4. Trim all of your trees, roots and bushes back from the home’s foundation, roof, siding, and chimney.

5. Paint all of your weathered outside wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and even the doors.

6. Seal your driveways if they are chipped or cracking.

7. Seal your chimney caps. If you must, install metal flue cap.

8. Clean or replace your HVAC filter. Clean out your dirty air returns too.

9. Point up any failing mortar joints if needed.

10. Test all of your smoke detectors to be sure they work.

11. Update you attic’s ventilation if needed.

12. Clean & service your chimney, or fireplace.

13. Seal and paint your basement if you have any stains on them.

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15. Put all of your plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in good working order.

16. Install GFCI receptacles in the right areas, and be sure that they are working properly.

17. Check your sump pump to be sure it’s working properly.

18. Replace any burned out light bulbs.

19. Remove any rotting wood, or firewood from home contact.

20. Caulk all exterior walls, showers, tiles etc.

21. Check around to make sure that your crawl spaces are dry and install a proper vapor barrier. You also want to get rid of any moisture.

22. Check that all of your vents are working properly.

23. Remove any and all paints, solvents, gas, etc. from every room in the home.

24. Check that all of your plumbing is secure and rust free.

25. Check that your toilets are not cracked.

This is by no means the only things that you should do, but they will get you started.

Also, check for and get rid of any pests that frequent your home. Most of them will be found in cool and dark and damp areas of the home like the attic, basement and crawlspaces.

Let's move deeper into staging your home for sale and talk a bit about curb appeal. Curb appeal is very important to the value of your home. If you have an attractive and clean home on the outside, this will make someone want to see the inside. You can discover more here about staging your home for sale.   

The most important consideration is the state of repair of the property. The check list above will go a long way to helping you.

Once repairs are complete, then it is time to clean and remove clutter. The garage should be cleaned out and items thrown out that have not been used in a year. Remove old tires, paint cans, bicycles, loose shrubs and broken lawn furniture from the yard.

A new paint job can add tremendous curb appeal. Paint front doors, garage doors, trim and shutters a contrasting color to the brick and siding for a dramatic effect. Use only one color for uniformity and balance. Too many colors look busy. Siding can be power washed to refresh the appearance.

Flowers and flower pots can add tremendous color to a boring front yard. Place flower pots and large outdoor plants in a variety of colors on the front steps, walkways, or porches.

Lastly, add a decorative wreath and outdoor floor mat to the front of the door. This just adds the finishing touch and offers a welcoming appearance. Curb appearance is crucial, follow this link to get more tips on staging your home for sale.