In a buyer’s market, it’s critical that home sellers do everything they can to position their property so it will stand out from the competition. The four main reasons a property doesn’t sell are condition, staging, pricing, and marketing. Part 1 addressed condition: condition colors the buyer’s perception – a home that is in excellent condition conveys the impression that it has been well-cared-for. Similarly, the buyer’s perception of a property is influenced by the way it is staged.

Home staging is the process of preparing your home for sale to make its best impression on prospective buyers. They key elements of home staging are cleaning, decluttering, and defining spaces. Nine out of ten homes are either improperly staged or not staged at all, so taking the time and effort to stage your home can set it apart from the competition.

Make it Shine
It should go without saying that a home for sale should be sparkling clean. Unfortunately, many home sellers don’t make the effort. Consider hiring professional cleaners to get your home spotless from top to bottom. Be sure to pay extra attention to kitchens and baths. Clean windows and screens – the view from inside is as important as the view from outside. Address any odors from pets, tobacco, or cooking. Just as a home in excellent condition appears well-cared-for, so too does a home that is sparkling clean.

Neat vs. Clean
Clutter can make an otherwise clean space appear dirty and unkempt. Neatness causes a similar emotional reaction as redecorating, yet costs much less so you get more return for your money. Therefore, it is important to remove personal items, knick-knacks, and extra furniture. Buyers know you are moving so neatly stacking packed boxes in the basement or storage area is okay, but an over-stuffed storage space gives the impression that your home is too small. If you have a lot of extra things, rent a storage space and store your boxes and extra furniture until you move.

Your home should be clutter-free with no more than two or three items on any surface. Nothing should be placed on any surface not intended to have something placed on it. Also,

1. Uncover as much floor space, wall space and surface space as possible without ruining the ambiance of the home.

2. Clear off the refrigerator – front, sides and top.

3. Remove items from the top of the kitchen cabinets.

4. Pack up rarely-used kitchen appliances, leaving only one or two (such as a toaster and coffee maker) and storing the rest in cabinets.

5. Organize cabinets and closets – the goal is a spacious, uncluttered appearance. Store off-season items.

6. Remove personal pictures and memorabilia.

7. Be sure all traffic paths are 100% open and free of furniture. Avoid blocking access to windows.

8. Clear off bathroom counters. Store electronic appliances out of sight.

9. The foot of the bed should be the first thing you see when entering a bedroom.

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