Liz and ElliePrepare your home to sell
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed a variety of real estate agents, and have concluded that a well-prepared home often sells faster, and for a higher price, than unprepared homes. However, even though good preparation is the simplest and least expensive way to increase a home's sale price, it is also the one most frequently overlooked.
De-clutter
Remove papers, knick knacks, refrigerator art, piles of shoes, and any other "extra stuff" from your home (including furniture). Think of this as an opportunity to purge items you don't want to move, and it might make this task easier.
Organize
Really have a place for everything, and put everything in its place. You're showing potential buyers how the spaces in your home can be used, so use those spaces well.
Make it impersonal
Buyers want to see themselves in your home, not you. Remove photographs and other personal touches to provide buyers with a blank slate.
Stage it
In short, staging is how you present your home to potential buyers: the yard, the lighting, décor, and the overall look of the home. A staged home is clean, organized, and simply furnished.
Think small
What cosmetic repairs can you do to make your house look nicer? Fill in nail holes, fix drooping shades, and remove outdated wallpaper, for example.
Outside matters
Keep your lawn cut and plant fresh flowers, repair shutters or fences, and put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
If this is too much for you to handle, call a professional. We would be happy to recommend cleaners, organizers, and stagers to help. Ellie is a certified stager and would be happy to stage your home to show off its beauty and potential.
There are also many excellent videos on YouTube that explain home staging. Here’s a link with a great overview.