Dress to Impress...

Staging Positions Your Property to Outshine the Competition

When you get ready to put your house on the market; think of it like a blind date. It's probably been a while since you've been out on the playing field so you're going to need to take a long hard look at yourself. Maybe you've gained a little weight, your clothes are a bit dated and your social skills need some sharpening up - what will it take to really wow those potential suitors? Remember... you only have one chance to make a great first impression.

The first thing you need to do is get a neutral third party (a stager) to assess the situation. There are going to be some things you can change and some things you are just going to have to work around. So make a list, prioritize and get started! And don’t forget to check out the competition: the trick is to figure out what you're up against, and then do whatever it takes to make sure your property is the belle of the ball. You simply need to clean up, dress up and add some sparkle and romance!

4 Simple tips to add Wow appeal and attract the best offers:
#1 Clean Up - An organized and well cared for home gives buyers peace of mind. Clean everything from light fixtures to baseboards and get rid of the clutter so buyers can focus on and fall in love with the house. If you can't get a surface super clean- paint it or replace it. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. Make all functional repairs and keep everything spotless and fresh smelling while it’s on the market.

#2 Dress Up - Put your homes best face forward. Add fresh mulch to the yard and color to the entrance with seasonal potted plants, a wreath or topiaries. Purchase fresh new bed spreads and luxurious towels to replace any worn or dated ones. Replace personal photos with large framed art or other wall deco. Put away personal collections and knick knacks and add a few well placed accessories. These purchases serve double duty by increasing your old homes value and enhancing your new one when move!

#3 Add some Sparkle - think of it like jewelry for your home- update light fixtures, hardware, cabinet knobs and faucets if necessary. Install a dramatic exterior light and new numbers for the house if needed. Open up blinds, curtains and remove heavy drapery to bring in as much natural light as possible.

#4 Bring on the Romance - Buying a house is an emotional decision- so create an atmosphere that draws people in and helps them imagine themselves enjoying life there. Edit unnecessary furniture to give each room a feeling of spaciousness. Soft music, a fire in the hearth, chocolates in a candy dish, fresh flowers and cozy seating arrangements invite buyers to linger and make your home unforgettable!

Enlisting the help of a great home stager will insure the best results in highlighting your home's positive features and creating excitement from the moment that "blind date" pulls up to the curb!

Lisa Sachleben
Design Refined
www.designrefined.com
303-929-0501

© 2001 – 2012 Lisa Sachleben, Design Refined