We are already your Ohio home builder. We can also help to get your existing house ready to sell. You want to sell as quickly as possible and get top dollar. “Staging” your home can help.
Staging presents your home in the most appealing light to the majority of prospective buyers. The following are key components to transforming your home into a space everybody will want.
Enhance Curb Appeal.
You never have a second chance to make a good first impression. Be sure the home's siding is clean, the gutters are clear and the windows sparkle inside and out. Spruce up the trim, front door and shutters with a fresh coat of paint. Store all bikes, toys and equipment and make sure cars are parked out of sight. And no matter what the weather, make sure to clean up the dog droppings in the yard. In the cold weather seasons, clear your driveway and sidewalks of snow and ice. In the warmer weather, be sure to mow the lawn, trim the trees/shrubs and plant some colorful flowers. Never underestimate the power of landscaping – a recent Michigan State University study reports that, for homes in Columbus and Kentucky, high-quality landscaping adds 5 to 11 percent to its price.
De-Clutter.
Nothing distracts like clutter. If someone is busy looking at the antique book collection on the bookshelf, they may miss the gas log fireplace. Try this, count all of the items in a room – the sofa, the chair, the clock, the candles, the magazines – now remove 50% of all of the items in the room. Even the unnecessary furniture goes. It's amazing how much more spacious the room will feel. Kitchens can make or break a home sale so make sure they look their best. Clear off the counters, including all of the countertop appliances. Organize the cabinets, remove everything you don't absolutely need and tidy up the rest - the appearance of extra cabinet space is critical. Make sure the cabinets are in good condition and if the knobs are outdated, new hardware is an inexpensive way to refresh the look of the whole kitchen. Clear everything off the refrigerator, including the magnets. Take away counter/bar stools to really give the impression of more space. Bathrooms get the same treatment, right down to tucking away those toothbrushes! And make sure you re-arrange your closets. It's time to purge those clothes you haven't worn in forever and box up any out-of-season clothing. Make it your goal to not let items hanging side-by-side touch. Straighten the shelves and make sure everything is hanging in the same direction.
Make it Theirs.
Remove items that make potential buyers identify with you. Temporarily cover up framed family photos with beautiful landscape images cut out from an inexpensive calendar. Tuck away the family heirlooms. Political and religious materials can turn off entire segments of buyers. Remember that buying a home is largely an emotional decision. It's important that a potential buyer is able to visualize themselves in the home.
Go Neutral.
While many people may love rich red dining room walls, those may not be the people looking at your home. It's a proven fact that neutral sells, so cover up those trendy tones and go with colors that are bound to match any décor.
Scrub 'til It Sparkles.
A clean home gives the impression of a well-cared for home. Start with a good overall cleaning and then get down to the nitty-gritty. Re-caulk around the showers, tubs and sinks. Make sure your chrome faucets and mirrors shine. Bleach any dingy grout. And bring out the fresh, fluffy guest towels. Don't forget the ceiling fan blades and light fixtures when you're dusting. Remove area rugs, throw blankets and throw pillows. Make sure your carpets are stain free and keep them looking fresh by vacuuming daily. When you're finished, don't forget the sniff test. Give the dog a bath, clean out the litter box, empty the trash cans and refrain from cooking fish or any strong smelling foods. Introduce pleasing scents like flowers and fresh baked goods. Place a ¼ cup of vanilla in an oven-safe dish in a warm oven – it will smell like you're baking.
Make Necessary Repairs.
Buyers want everything in the home to work properly. Make sure the faucets aren't leaking and replace any cracked or broken tiles. Patch any holes in the walls and touch up with matching paint. Fix any doors or drawers that don't open and close properly and be sure they're squeak free. Test all lights and be sure to replace any burned out light bulbs.
Replace Your Favorites.
If you have a favorite item that you intend to take with you, be sure to pack it away before you put your home on the market. If your grandmother's chandelier is going with you, simply replace it with a suitable light fixture. If you simply love your curtains, now is the time to trade them out for a good looking, inexpensive alternative. If a buyer falls in love with an item that you insist on taking with you, it could turn into a deal breaker.
Make it Show Like a Model.
Check out any of Dominion's model homes if you need more inspiration. Replace your toaster with a decorative silk plant. Set the table with your best dinnerware. Leave the radio on and tuned to an easy listening station. Pull back the curtains, open the blinds and turn on all the lights, including table lamps. Then make sure you are not home during showings. Buyers will feel more comfortable and less rushed without you there.
A well staged home is a marketable home. The time and energy investment you put into preparing your home to sell is sure to pay off in the long run.
