Staging your home is a lot like marketing. You want your home to stand out from everyone else’s. A Staged home will usually sell faster and for more money. So, consider the expense of staging your home to be an investment, not a cost. Many realtors suggest staging a home to their clients by repainting, add new window treatments or getting rid of clutter. Effective staging can involve much more than that. It’s like selecting the right props, or removing furniture and other items that can make the space look cluttered and smaller. It can also be about adding finishing touches that produce an appealing look and create focal points in the any part of the home.

A properly staged home will show the possibilities and potential, and creates an inviting place to help inspire potential buyers. Always remember that first impressions are usually lasting impressions. Potential buyers will size up your home before they even step inside. If your home is lacking curb appeal, many prospective buyers may reject it without looking further or may try to offer you a lower price. Always remember that first impressions are usually lasting impressions.

Here are a few tips to help. Paint your home if the paint is peeling or looks dull. Display or replace old house numbers or address plaques. Wash the windows. Mow the lawn and trim the shrubs. Power wash siding and walkways. Make any repairs that make the outside of the house. Add a doormat that compliments the entrance of your home.

Once you decide to sell your home, it’s time to think of it as a commodity. Clean up the clutter and the items that contribute to that cluttered look. Items such as furniture, knickknacks, family photos or too many pictues on the walls. Take a good look at what you have, and ask yourself what can you live without. You can always rent temporary storage for items you need to remove or discard them. Donating items to organizations is another option.

The foyer is the first space a potential buyer will see once they enter your home. Adding colorful artwork or fresh flowers in this space creates a warm inviting feeling. A beautiful area rug and potpourri is also another way to add warmth.

Consider moving furniture, artwork, and accessories around and into other rooms. Just because you bought chair for the family room doesn’t mean it won’t look great in your bedroom. And the chest at the foot of your bed may make a lovely piece in a hallway. Try refinishing furniture to give it a fresh, new look.

Improper lighting can also make a home cold and unwelcoming. Increase the wattage in your lamps and fixtures or use dimmers. Don’t depend on just one or two fixtures per room. Try to have a variety of lighting in each room. And when your house is being shown, make sure all the lights are on. This is especially true if you don’t have natural sunlight streaming in.

In conclusion… When taking time and a little money, you can really improve the look and feel of your home. You want buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home. The next thing you’ll see on your front lawn is a sign that reads sold.