Staging
your home is a low cost way to help you demand the highest possible
price in a sale. Some use the phrase "curb appeal" The way we live in
our homes will not necessarily translate to help you sell your home.
Staging your home gives potential buyers the ability to picture
themselves in the home.
You need to keep in mind that you're not going to
make the changes to live in your home. Your only goal is to show your
home at its very best to potential buyers. Without being distracted by
clutter and dirt, they'll be able to picture themselves in the home
you're trying to sell. They will find it hard to resist making an offer
Home staging could include removing some furniture
to make rooms appear larger. Removing a leaf from a dining table plus
extra chairs will make your dining room appear larger.
If possible, arrange for pets to stay with friends
or family. Remove pet toys, bowls, beds, etc. A prospective buyer who
doesn't like dogs may not be able too get over the mental image of your
dog running through "their new house" or sleeping in "their bedroom". A
buyer who has a cat may be concerned their cat will mark his territory
wherever he smells your cat. A pet free home is worth more to more
people.
First of all you will want to open up the living
areas by packing up anything that might clutter up any living areas.
While prospective buyers don't want to show a house that is completely
empty, moving out unnecessary items helps to make your home feel larger.
You will also want to remove personal items from
your home. It is hard for prospective buyers to envision their
belongings in your home if they see your toothbrush, deodorant and
family photos everywhere.