It’s an 8 Second Ride | Dress for Success Part 2 | How it Applies to Real Estate | Staging

Research shows you only have 8 seconds to make a home fall in love with your home.  Yep…it’s that fast.  That’s all it takes for them to form their first opinion about your home.  Let’s learn how to make it the best we possibly can!

As we discussed yesterday, you wouldn’t go to an interview looking anything but 110% put together and tidy.  Think of selling your home as an interview process for the buyers.  They are interviewing your home to be their own.  Here’s how to put on your best show!

For tips on what to do on the outside, see yesterday’s post.

Tips on what you can do on the inside:

#1: Hire a professional stager for their opinion.  Hands down, it will be the best investment you can make.

#2: Clean up.  Cleaning every room from top to bottom is an absolute must, including closets & cabinets.  Don’t forget to mop the hardwood floors to make them shine.

#3: De-Clutter & De-Personalize. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your space.  Help them do that by removing personal items, pictures & knick-knacks from walls, tables & the fridge.

#4: Open Windows.  Unless the weather doesn’t permit, open the windows to let in some fresh air, especially if you have pets.

#5: Make it Cozy.  Set the thermostat to make sure potential buyers are comfortable enough they’ll want to linger.  If you have fireplaces, show them off by lighting them.

#6: Awaken Other Senses. Bake some cookies, brew a fresh pot of coffee, light a candle with a gentle scent, play some soft instrumental music in the background.  These subtle stimuli will create a sense of calm & enhance the pleasant impression of your home.

#7: Lighten Up. Make sure your homes feels bright & alive.  Pull open any window coverings & turn on all the lights – even the ones over appliances and in closets.

As as common sense dictates to you, make yourself scarce.  It’s best to leave the showing to the capable professional & allow the buyer to feel comfortable in your home (which they won’t if you’re present).

 

Dress for Success Part 1| How it Applies to Real Estate | Staging

You wouldn’t go to an interview with a stain on your shirt and have it half tucked in & half untucked, right?  Of course you wouldn’t (silly question).  The same concept rings true when selling you home.  Staging is a fantastic way to Dress your home for Success.

Tips on what you can do on the outside:

#1: Hire a professional stager for their opinion.  Hands down, it will be the best investment you can make.

#2: Tidy up.  Rake the leaves, sweep the floors, wipe down the counters.  Clear the steps.

#3: Color Splash! Brighten your home with seasonal flowers in beds, weeding & removing dead shrubbery & trees.

#4: Fresh Cut.  Mow your lawn & edge your sidewalk for a manicured look.

#5: Remove Clutter.  Stow garbage cans, gardening supplies & all unnecessary items out of sight or in a garden shed.

#6: Face Lift. (for your home, silly) A fresh coat of paint on the door, a new floor mat (in and out) & clean windows freshen up the home & make it seem newer.

#7: Functionality. Replace broken doorbells, loose pavers or handrails, and make sure the bulbs work in any outdoor lighting.

#8: Consider the Rear-View.  Buyers will want to see your backyard.  All the same rules apply here; keep it tidy, colorful, well-maintained, de-cluttered and functional.  Stow excess furniture & all children’s toys.