Tips for Prepping Your Home for sale,
by Ilana Weismark with Ooh La La Home Staging, LLC
by Ilana Weismark with Ooh La La Home Staging, LLC
First Impressions are Lasting Impressions. Curb appeal is crucial to a good first impression, so you must ensure that your lawn is eye catching and in pristine condition. Mow the lawn, prune the bushes, trim trees and plant pretty flowers.
Exterior Makeover. A tacky exterior will make potential buyers think that you haven’t properly maintained your home’s interior. Clean the gutters and pressure wash the exterior of your home including the driveway (and sidewalk leading up to your driveway), patio, deck, and fence.
A Grand Entrance. Purchase a brand-new welcome mat. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint in a contrasting color. Replace faded or damaged house numbers so buyers can clearly see them from the curb.
Depersonalize & Declutter. Buyers want to envision themselves and their belongings in your home. Pack up your personal photos and family heirlooms. Pack up your collections, too. You'll have to do it eventually anyways and they’re a distraction to potential buyers. This goes for furniture too. Try to stick to your more understated and neutral pieces. If you haven't used items or even thought about them in close to a year, there’s no need to take them with you. Donate them or trash them.
Organization is Key. Messy closets give the appearance that your home doesn't have adequate storage space. Organize clothes by type and color. Remove everything from the floors inside the closets and make sure clothes are hung neatly. Add lighting if it’s not adequate.
Top to Bottom. From ceiling fans to floors and everything in between, clean your home until it sparkles. Don’t forget about all windows and mirrors. Minimize items on bathroom and kitchen surfaces and make them shine.
Spa Sanctuary. Your master bath should feel like a spa retreat. To achieve that minimalist vibe, clear toiletry clutter and paint the walls in an earthy, neutral palette. Utilize oil diffusers. Consider installing dimming lights and a massaging showerhead. A tub tray can add a nice touch as well. Don’t forget about your bedroom. Purchase new bedroom and bathroom linens in neutral colors and make the beds daily.
Turn it Down a Notch. You might like your bright Caribbean colored bedroom, but it may totally turn off potential buyers. Paint your walls a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Purchase new bedroom and bathroom linens in neutral colors and make the beds daily. Turning down bedding is a nice, welcoming touch.
What Is That Smell? Hide the litter box and spray Febreze throughout your home. When showing the home, light some candles and consider baking some fresh chocolate chip cookies.
Repairs & General Maintenance. You want your home to be in the best possible condition. Take care of major defects such as broken windows, flooring or leaks in the roof that buyers will see as major deterrents. Replace AC filters, clean ducts, clean/steam flooring (don’t forget any grout between tiles) and take care of any other general maintenance prior to listing your home.
Unsure where to start? Need more personalized assistance? Call Ilana at 770 312 6723 for a Home Staging Consultation
