Mavis Brown
GRI, REALTOR®, Owner
Realty Executives of San Antonio
Making the decision to stage your home and going all out to make it looks its best can make an enormous impact on your sales price and number of days on the market. The good news is, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to make it work. Here, our best staging tips on a shoe string budget – many of which are DIY!
Your home could look gorgeous on the inside but if the outside doesn’t match, you can lose the interest of serious drive-by buyers scouting your area. Give your front yard landscaping some extra TLC- keep grass cut, bushes trimmed and clear away any lawn debris. For a spot of color, plant some flowers. Check your mailbox and house numbers to see if they need cleaning or replacing. If you aren’t planning on exterior painting, wash the stucco or siding to brighten things up.
Home on the smaller side? Instantly make it appear more spacious by removing any clutter, including photos and any odds and ends that are simply taking up space or detracting. Your home will look larger and newer in no time.
It’s time for a deep cleaning session. If you’re not a fan- you may want to hire a professional for this one, but it’s not necessary. You won’t want to miss cleaning the furniture if it needs it. Windows and grout are other essentials that if left untouched can blemish an otherwise spotless presentation.
Speaking of cleaning, nothing can make your home look brighter and smell fresher quite as quickly as some new paint. Choose a trendy yet neutral color. For added curb appeal, consider painting your front door while you’ve got those brushes handy. Don’t forget to catch the kids’ rooms with a great neutral as well.
Most of us can stand to cut back on the amount of furniture in our homes. Look for your home’s great focal points, such as views and fireplaces and remove or rearrange any furniture that gets in the way. If you’ve got any clunky, large pieces that aren’t in the best of shape, it may be time to donate or store them away. Instant light and bright!
Light fixtures and cabinet hardware are small details that can either add or detract from bathrooms and kitchens (both strong selling points for buyers). Replace them if they look old or outdated or simply give them a good cleaning if they are still current.
Make sure each room presents a well-defined usage. If your spare bedroom looks like half bedroom, half office, choose one or the other functionality and go with it. Consider putting up tent cards that suggest the multiple uses of any one room.
So far you’ve spent very little! Purchasing a few new home ware items, such as accent pillows and matching bathroom towels can set things on-trend at a small cost. Not to mention, pops of color can really set off your new neutral paint tones.
Need towel storage? How about using the wine rack? Dining room table looking bare? A mirror with a few candles and decorative stones makes a quick and elegant centerpiece. Tablecloths can double as drapery panels too! Always look at your own inventory before spending more than you have to.
You’re almost there! On Open House days or before an appointment heads your way, consider playing soft music, lighting some vanilla or cinnamon scented candles and setting the table. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. Welcome prospective buyers home!
