Real Estate Staging

By Norma J. Smith

In this slow Real Estate market hiring a professional Stager is an investment that will easily pay for its self. But if you would like to have a go at it on your own, here are some ideas to get you started.

Start with the outside. That is what potential buyers will see first. You want to make sure that they want to come in. Think "Curb Appeal".

Now is not the time to invest a lot of money into the house unless you really have to. Don't paint unless the paint is really faded or pealing or if the paint is an outdated or funky color. Most of the time all you really need to do is touch up the trim and paint the front door. The same goes for the lawn. You don't want to spend money having it landscaped, just make sure the lawn and hedges are neatly trimmed. Plant some flowers and use hanging baskets to add more color and freshen up the look. Make sure the yard is free of clutter and that the windows are spotlessly clean. Hanging a nice wreath on the door will create a homey, welcoming feel.

Inside you need to remove all clutter and have the house professionally cleaned. If your carpet has stains or worn spots cover them up with area rugs. You don't want to replace the carpet unless you absolutely have to. If you do need to buy new carpeting, go with a neutral color in a medium price range.

Remove dark or outdated draperies and replace with top treatments that allow as much light as possible into the room. Replace all of your light bulbs with bright clear bulbs and leave them on. People like bright homes. If your furniture takes up every available space in the room, put some of it in storage. Empty space will make the home appear larger.

Pack up any collections that you have, be it Salt and Pepper shakers or Swords. Put them in storage. It's ok to have a couple of nicely framed photos of your children or some vintage photos of you ancestors, but if you have an entire wall covered with pictures of every relative, take it down, and fill in the holes.

Every room should have a clear purpose. If it is suppose to be a dining room it should not look like a home office. If the room is suppose to be a bedroom it should not look like a gym.

You want create little "Display areas" through out the house, much like they do in furniture show rooms; particularly in the main rooms and the entry way. You want to try to really wow them. You can pick up some interesting accessories at your local home store. Another great way to dress up an area and add color and texture is fabric. Having some decorative pillows, cushions and table covers made in coordinating fabric will really pull the look together. And nothing makes a house look cozier than fabric.

Use scented candles or potpourri to add fragrance instead of aerosol spays that smell like you are trying to cover something up. Having fresh flowers during the showings is also a nice touch.
Following these simple and inexpensive steps will greatly help to sell your home quicker. If you need more help contact your local Staging Professional.
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Norma J. Smith is an Interior Decorator in the Boston area. She specializes in Custom Window Treatments and Soft Furnishings. She can be reached at 781 665-1306 or via email at norma@njinteriors.net. Her website is www.njinteriors.net.