E Holly@DallasRealEstateStaging.com Ph (214) 532-9677
Home Staging Tips
Capture Their Attention, Curbside!
The best way to get the attention of a prospective buyer is to invest some time and money at the curb! This is where potential buyers will either be excited or hesitant before entering your home. Remember, homes that are well maintained sell for more money because they are move in ready. The buyer is less likely to discount his offer for needed improvements.
Here is a list for you:
- 1. Check all trim, siding and wood for faded or peeling paint and if necessary, paint!
- 2. The front door is the point of entry to your home. Make sure that it is in good condition with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Replace any outdated hardware with new hardware and please remove any items: door knockers, signs, etc. bearing your name.
- 3. Sweep the porch and remove all dust, spider webs, and old newspapers…it costs you nothing.
- 4. Purchase a new door mat that is large and made of natural fibers. Choose one without cute pictures or phrases.
- 5. Remove all weeds from the yard and flower beds.
- 6. Plant flowers en mass. For example, plant several pots of yellow pansies, the repetition will pack a punch and it's easy to do if you are not a landscape architect.
- 7. Replace the porch light with a new one or spray paint it.
- 8. Wash the windows inside and out.
- 9. Trim all tree branches away from the roof.
3 Steps Every Homeowner Should Take Before Listing Their Home
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”…this is true when selling because a potential buyer will decide if he likes a home in less that a minute!
Preparing a home before it is listed is essential. The goal is to stage the home to appeal to a broad range of buyers and for those buyers to have a positive emotional connection with your home so that they make an offer!
Here are three, low cost steps to consider:
Step one: DEPERSONALIZE
- 1. Remove all personal items and memorabilia including: photos, diplomas, and anything with a name in it
- 2. Pack collections: display cases with collectibles figurines, trophies, and beanie babies, get the picture?
Collections are distractions for homebuyers and they can also get broken or stolen.
Collectibles should be packed and kept safe.
Step two: NEUTRALIZE
Walls and floors: Choose colors such as beige, taupe, tan, but not white (unless the home is contemporary in design) which is cold and uninviting. Color is subjective and while some people like hot pink walls, most people will not. Neutral colors appeal to everyone and buyers can imagine their furnishings in the home.
Decorations: Any religious, ethnic, political, or controversial items should be removed. Again, the goal is to create a positive, emotional experience.
Step three: DECLUTTER
Paper: Magazines, books, binders, newspapers, and mail can easily pile up and create a home that looks disorganized and unkempt.
Horizontal surfaces: Select one or three items for the coffee table, mantle, dining table, and nightstand.
Furniture: If it blocks traffic flow or windows, move it to storage. If it’s not used on a daily basis…move it to storage.
Closets: Pack out of season clothing and anything not used on a daily basis. Try to clear out 1/3-1/2 of the contents of any closet and clear the floor.
The goal is to show square footage and space and send the message that your home has been well cared and is move-in ready.
These three steps are the foundation to creating a staged home. They cost little or no money and are necessary for creating a positive first impression.
Helping Children Cope with a Move
Often times we are so busy with the details of packing, preparing our home for sale, cleaning, preparing for showings and paperwork that we forget that our children are struggling with moving away. Whether the move is local or across the country, our kids experience stress just like we do. To make the transition smoother, I have created a list of things that you can do for your children:
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1. Encourage your child to take part in the packing process. Let him pick which toys, movies, stuffed animals get packed first and save his favorite toys to pack last or right before the move.
- 2. Talk with your child about her fears or concerns about moving to a new neighborhood, school, etc. Validate her concerns and let her know that you are available if she has any questions.
- 3. Help your child look forward to the move by planning an outing to your new city’s local library, zoo or movie theatre.
- 4. Look through magazines for new ideas for decorating his new room. The ideas don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Keep your budget and time constraints in mind. New bedding, a new lamp, or picking a favorite paint color for the walls can be easy and inexpensive. You can keep a decorating journal (3 ring binder with top loaders) with pages from the magazine, paint chips, and fabric samples.
- 5. Find a way for your child to stay in contact with their friends and family members. Make a plan that is convenient for both of you. Practice using the web cam, writing letters, or sending emails. Moving away from friends and family is usually the most difficult challenge for children…and for adults!
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