Staging Your Home

Expert home staging is a tried and true strategy applied to sell a home here in Florida. Some positive aspects of home staging include less time on the market and higher selling prices. If you want to sell your house quickly, consider a thoroughly thought out home staging strategy.

Staging your house in Florida is all about selling a lifestyle. You want buyers to picture themselves calling your house “home”. You want them to see your current house as their future home.

Prepping your house for an Open House doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. Instead it can be a fun and creative project. Together, we’ll work to get an exceptional offer for your property. Begin with this home staging advice and you’ll notice that your home sits fewer weeks on the market after listing.

Curb Appeal Checklist

Start with the outside of your home, better known as your curb appeal. Look at the exterior of your house from a street perspective. What do you notice first? What dollar-earning features seem hidden? Knowing this helps us to decide what we can do to attract buyers from the street and into your house. If your home’s exterior isn’t as neat as possible with retouched paint and bright greenery we’ll need to tackle those as well. 

1. Inspect the outside ground. Remove any building materials, scrap wood, discarded household items, etc. from the property. Store garbage cans in the garage.
2. Check the home from the roof line down.
   • Is the roof free and clear from obstructions and moss?
   • Are the gutters clear and neatly hung?
   • Are the windows clean and free from obstructions (such as overgrown bushes or trees)?
   • Are bushes, trees and shrubs neatly pruned?
3. Inspect the condition of the paint or siding
   • Is it time to power wash the siding?
   • Is touch up paint needed?
   • Is the front door in good shape?
4. Do flower beds need an upgrade?
   • Are plants neatly pruned?
   • Is the bed free and clear of weeds?
   • Is the bed properly mulched?
   • Are flowers in bloom?
5. Keep the lawn neatly groomed
   • Is the lawn free from weeds?
   • Is the lawn free from grass clippings?
   • Is the lawn neatly edged?

Welcome Home Checklist

Does your house seem to say, “This is Your Next House” to a buyer? Touring your property from a buyer’s view, we’ll suggest changes that build up sales appeal. We’ll tell you to get rid of anything that gives the illusion of clutter. Counter tops should be cleared off. Arts and crafts, souvenirs, family photos, and play time drawings should get moved out of sight. You need to remove the personal details from the house so buyers can see it as their new house.

We will review every room of your home. We’ll note the pieces of furniture that should be put in storage, rooms that need new paint, carpet needing to get changed, fixtures that need polishing, and any other improvement that can quickly be made to positively influence the sale.

We’ll ensure your house is likable and that it’s comfortable, staying away from “offensive” or “too-bright” colors on the walls and furniture. And if the house is vacant, you can consider temporary furnishings. The goal is for your home to look homey as opposed to bare.

1. Remove all clutter from the house
   • Are countertops free and clear?
   • Have you removed unnecessary furniture throughout the house?
   • Remove the art gallery and coupon collection from the refrigerator.
2. Check the bathrooms
   • Are the surfaces clean and clear?
   • Are shower curtains and doors hung properly?
   • Is the flooring clean and fresh?
   • Are towels neatly hung?
3. Check the walls
   • Is paint and wallpaper fresh and clean?
   • Are the walls free from holes?
   • Are there any colors or objects on the walls that need to be removed?
4. Check the floors
   • Is the carpet clean and free from stains?
   • Are hard surface floors clean and free from stains?
5. Check windows and window coverings
   • Are all the windows clean?
   • Are draperies and blinds clean?
6. Pet check
   • Are there any signs that this is a pet’s home? Be sure to clean and remove kitty litter, pet toys and bedding.
7. How’s the aroma?
   • Try to air out the home prior to showings.
   • If air freshener is necessary, use well before showings as a consideration to those with allergies.
8. Set the mood prior to showings
   • Open draperies and blinds.
   • Turn on the radio to a classical music station, set the volume on low.
   • If you have time, cook a batch of cookies to have the warm, welcoming aroma permeating the home.

Setting the Stage

You’ll know when to show your home, because everything comes together to paint a picture of what buyers can look forward to after they choose to buy your house. Brightening up each room is of major importance, so we’ll do things like part the curtains and reduce shadows where needed to invite the buyer inside. Together we’ll enhance the ambiance with enjoyable music playing lightly and make sure a nice scent flows room-to-room. We’ll make use of cozy-looking throws, and pillows on your couch and bedding. Buyers should feel like your home is their future home.