MI Home Staging, LLC
Staging Tips for DIYers
1) Reduce, Reuse and Recycle:
This is not just something we do for the environment, it is something
you
can do in
the process to stage your home. Reduce the amount of clutter
- Box up what you will keep
but don't need now. Donate items to charity (don't forget your
tax deduction). Have a garage sale. Try
moving furniture into different rooms.
2) Curb
Appeal: From roof and gutters to trees, grass and shrubs
- Cleanup the brush, leaves and
overgrowth.
Trim the lowest branches to show the house. Add some coordinating
color.
3) Welcome:
Place a new doormat at the door. Clean, polish, paint or change
the house numbers,
mailbox and exterior lights. Add some potted plants to the porch.
Sweep debris from the porch.
4) Let there be light:
Clean the light bulbs, shades and sconces. Increase the wattage
on all lighting
fixtures
to maximum wattage. Add up lights. Turn on all lights
for showings. Open the curtains, blinds,
and
other window coverings.
5) Create the space:
Remove at least half of what is in the closets, cupboards and cabinets.
Box these
items up
and place in storage. This will create the effect of abundant
storage.
6) Create counter space:
Store small appliances out of view. Remove magnets, pictures
and art work
from
the refrigerator.
7)
Avoid eccentricity: Remove anything that may be construed
as offensive. Take down the heavy
metal poster, bikini clad tool/car calendars or anything with nudity.
Remove model magazines, books
and etc.
8) Freshen
the air: Open the windows for several minutes before showings
- even in the winter. This
changes
the air in the house and is quite refreshing.
9)
Excite the buyer's senses: We've all heard about baking
chocolate chip cookies, also try apple pie and
microwave popcorn. Set the table for a romantic dinner or a
festive dinner party. Light a fire in the
fireplace and set out two (2) wine glasses and flowers next to
it. Play some soft music.
10)
Go enjoy an hour: An afternoon or however long your showings/open
houses will last. Walk away
from the house and let the real estate professionals do their job.
Copyright
© 2008, MI Home Staging, LLC, All Rights Reserved
DIY
