10 tips for staging your home to sell

Want your home to sell fast?

Decorating and decluttering to “set the stage” for potential buyers should be at the top of your to-do list. Staging your home showcases its best features and helps buyers visualize their families in the space.

1. Apply a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors.

   It’s also a good idea to remove outdated wallpaper as potential buyers may not share your design taste.
   
   

2. Open blinds and drapes to let in natural light

   Replace or remove old blinds and clear your light fixtures of dust and cobwebs.
   
   

3. Make repairs where needed.

   Fix running toilets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, broken fixtures and anything else that will distract from the desirability of your home.
   
   

4. Remove all personal items and photos.

   You want a buyer to picture his or her family in the space, not yours. Store the kids’ toys away, too.
   
   

5. Clean inside and out.

   Mop, dust, vacuum, repeat. No one wants to move into a house with a moldy shower or sticky refrigerator. If you can’t handle the cleaning yourself, hire a company to do it for you.
   
   

6. Spruce up landscaping.

   Plant flowers, trim bushes, weed the garden, mow the lawn and fix any unsightly cracks in your driveway or sidewalk.
   
   

7. Declutter your space.

   Clean up rooms, closets, cabinets, drawers and bathrooms, especially bathrooms. Stow away your personal hygiene items and medications as well.
   
   

8. Remove odors.

   Clean and deodorize, paying special attention to bathrooms and places where pets and kids congregate. Use baking soda and lemon to remove sink and garbage disposal odors.
   
   

9. Replace worn out furniture and carpet.

   Remove any furniture that is too big for your space, as large pieces can make a room look smaller.
   
   

10. Update lighting.

    Dark homes can appear dreary. Installing new pendant lights and ceiling fan fixtures can make a big difference when it comes to selling your home.