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5 Cheap Staging Tips for Selling Your Home

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Image courtesy of Christopher Barson via Flickr Creative Commons

Image courtesy of Christopher Barson via Flickr Creative Commons

Have you ever browsed homes online, only to cringe when you see piles of papers, food, clothes, and clutter all around? Even the most imaginative of us have a hard time visualizing ourselves living in a dark, cluttered home, no matter how much potential is there. That’s why “staging” – preparing your home to show to prospective buyers – is so important. While you can pay money to companies to do this for you, most of us don’t have the spare cash lying around. Luckily, there are five things you can do that cost little to no money, but can dramatically improve your home’s appeal.

  • Pack away personal items. The goal is to get the buyer to imagine his or herself in the home, and it’s hard to do that when staring at photos of your children or wedding. Remove religious items and taste-specific decorations, such as sports paraphernalia or diplomas. These items are distracting to potential buyers – put them in boxes until they find their space in your new home.
  • Clear away the clutter. Remove items off of kitchen & bathroom counters, put away toys, and rearrange furniture to give the house an airy, open feel. Pack away your things in boxes and stack neatly in the garage or basement, or rent a small storage unit for a month or two. Better yet, have a friend or relative hold on to them until your home sells. Pack up 80-90% of your home for maximum value!
  • Rearrange and paint the rooms. Make sure each room has a clear purpose and appropriate furnishings (did that spare room become a dumping ground for exercise equipment and laundry? Clear it out and add a bed and a desk, even if it’s old furniture). A fresh coat of paint can do absolute wonders for a home – if you have not painted recently, select a neutral color for the walls and don’t forget the trim!
  • Clean from top to bottom. Dirt and smells will turn a buyer off immediately. If you can afford it, pay a professional cleaner to come in. If not, clean everything from walls to drapery to ceiling fans to carpet (rent a machine!). Put the litter box in the garage and pick up dog droppings in the yard, and bake cookies or use candles/air fresheners to mask smells.
  • Don’t forget the curb appeal. Mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, and rip out any dead plants. Lay down mulch for problem areas (mulch is cheap!). Clear the grass and driveway of leaves and debris, and consider pressure-washing the outside of your home if it’s particularly grimy.

Got any more low-cost staging advice? Let us know!


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