When planning to sell your home, it is very important that you know what you are getting yourself into. Staging your home to the best of its ability, is a very critical part in the selling process. Don’t know how to stage your home? Don’t worry, The Diamond Group is here to help! Below is a home staging guide that we have created to help relieve your stress!
PLAN AHEAD
Walk through each room and think of how you could make that room pop. Think of it from a buyers point of 
view, what would you like to see in the home? If you are still having troubles, ask a local real estate professional for their advice. As The Diamond Group, we’d be more than happy to help. Consider a professional home inspection to see if any repairs or damages need to be fixed and hire a contractor to handle any major projects. Also, make sure you know to true value of your home.
SQUEAKY CLEAN AND DEPERSONALIZE
Thoroughly clean the entire home. Make sure all kitchen and bathroom counters are scrubbed down, bathtubs and sinks are polished, and all baseboards look like new. There is nothing worse than going into a messy home! Buyers are more likely to be interested if the home is clean and is presentable. Steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent. When staging a home, it is very important to “make less, more.” Remove family photos and make sure all toys from children or pets are put away. Remove oversized or cluttered furniture so it makes moving around easier and allows open space. Make sure closets are organized and secure valuable items, including: cash, jewelry, and electronics.
CURB APPEAL
Although they say “no
t to judge a book by it’s cover”, making the outside of the home look presentable is just as important as the inside. Make sure to touch up exterior paint and trim. Make sure all outside lights are working including the porch lights and lights by the garage if they are included. Double check the front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat. Power wash the front and sides of the house and make sure all roof repairs are up to date. Make sure all gutters are cleared out and sweep the front entry way and walkway. Trim shrubs and plant COLORFUL flowers! Having colors outside of your home makes it stand out and makes it “look” well taken care of.
PAY ATTENTION TO KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
The kitchen and bathrooms are the house’s foundation. Think of them like the building blocks to create a better home. THESE ARE THE SELLING POINTS. Make sure to wax and polish flooring (if its carpet, deep clean it using a carpet cleaner). Clean off countertops and wipe them down. Replace all outdated hardware. Having hardware up to date is also a main selling point that can help increase the value of your home. Clean appliances and fixtures. Make sure the lights are working in the refrigerator, microwave, and oven. Clean and organize pantry, drawers, and cabinets. Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs and remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Keep all toilet seat lids closed and hang fresh towels.
APPEAL TO THE SENSES
Bake cookies or burn scented candles. Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms and make sure all lights are turned on. This helps your home feel welcoming. Open curtains to let in natural light and help expose the views of your home. You can even open windows slightly to let in fresh air. Make sure all TV’s are turned off and relocate pets on the day of the open house. Refrain from smoking in the home.
SHOW OFF YOUR HOMES BEST FEATURES
Remove rugs to help expose nice hardwood floors. Pull back drapes or open blinds/shutters to help showcase nice views. Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants. Make sure backyard and pool area are clean of bicycles, scooters, ect. Double check to make fireplaces are in working condition.
PREPARING FOR THE OPEN HOUSE
Inform family, friends and neighbors of the date and time of your open house. Hold an exclusive brokers’ open house to let local agents know your home is on the market. Offer light food and refreshments. Put ads in local newspapers, real estate publications and on social media websites. Put up “Open House” signs on the front lawn and at nearby intersections with directions to the house. Create property description sheets and prepare important documents, such as homeowner’s association rules, inspection reports and purchase offer forms.
CONTACT US
Want more information on staging and what our team can do for you? Contact us! We want to help you fulfill your selling and buying goals and would love to be a part of your journey.
The Diamond Group
Wheatley-Liss, Deirdre R. “Estate Analysis Checklist: Single.” Plan Your Own Estate(2012): 305-10. Web.