You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
When a seller stages their home, one of two things happens:
How do I stand out from the crowd?
- Most buyers make decisions about the property they see within the first 15 seconds of approaching the home.
- Properties in great condition attract more interest and offers, and tend to sell for more than properties in less than great condition.
When a seller stages their home, one of two things happens:
- The property becomes more valuable than other comparable properties in that price range.
- More buyers become interested and make offers allowing you to sell faster and for more money.
How do I stand out from the crowd?
- Curb Appeal: Prepare your entire property (touch-up chipped front door paint, improve outside lighting, de-ice icy walkway, wash dirty windows, trim overgrown bushes, de-clutter cluttered porch, rake yard, clean outside of garbage can, scrub down kitchen appliance fronts, organize/clean out closets, etc.)
- Hotel- Like: No Clutter or items on horizontal surfaces, “Does someone live here?” should be a question asked.
- Guns & Gold, Family Photos, Dirty Dishes- Please put them ALL away!
- Professional Photography = First Impressions. Hire a professional photographer to help highlight all of the staging you have done to sell your property. Again, remember, most buyers make decisions about the property they see within the first 15 seconds of entering the home (either in person or in photos).
SELLERS STAGING CHECKLIST
You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
Please note: There are more tips to staging in Your Home Selling Guide in Section 5. Stage Your House To Sell.