On to the Entryway!

Today's staging tip focuses on the entryway.  Just like the front yard is the buyers first impression of your home, the entryway is their first impression of the inside.  So if you follow these easy strategies, your entryway will be warm and inviting! 
The color should be pleasing and coordinate well with the rest of the house.  If tile in the entryway is outdated in style and color consider replacing with udpated tiles or wood. Otherwise, use a throw rug to minimize the effect.  Coat racks should be removed or at least empty.  Shoe racks should also be removed and do not use a "remove your shoes" sign unless the carpet is brand new.  Hide key racks and replace dated light fixtures.  Remove excess wall clutter and family photos.  You want buyers to visualize their family living there, not yours.  Avoid bright colors and modern, ethnic, or religious art.  Attractive mirrors are generally preferable to art work.  A hall table is good for Realtor's cards and flyers.  A scented candle could be used to warm and scent the entry.

Come back tomorrow for staging tips for your Living Room!

Seven Staging Principles

If you are thinking of putting your home on the market or currently have it for sale, here are some great strategies to help get it ready and keep it staged for showings.  Each day this week I will post one new strategy, so be sure to check back so you don't miss any!

1.  Make a great first impression!  The outside of the house is the first thing a buyer will see.  Make sure their first look creates a positive impression.  Stand in front of the house and visualize things that can be done to make the property look like the houses in magazines.  Remove cobwebs, put a fresh coat of paint or stain on the front door, power wash if necessary, wash the windows, replace or paint the mailbox, exterior lights should be shined, painted or replaced, pot flowers and place by the front door.  All grass needs to be green and free of bare spots.  Bushes should be pruned and rounded for a pleasing appearance and vegetation should not be higher than the fence unless it is there to hide an unpleasant view.  Remove all weeds and put fresh mulch around shrubbery for a neat appearance.  Make sure all windows are clear of vegatation to allow  more light into the home.  Plant seasonal flowers in various places around the front of the house to add color. 
With respect to the backyard, handle grass the same as the front for a well manicured appearance.  Power wash patios and decks to make them look clean and fresh.  Consider staining decks and patios to make them look newer, an old washed out deck is a turn off.  Put away children's toys and trampolines.  Put down the umbrella if it is blocking the view of the back yard.  If the BBQ grill is in poor condition keep it covered and make sure it is not obstructing any views from the windows.  Clean the eves of spider webs and dirt.  Below you can see the before/after photos of a backyard and what a huge difference it makes!

These may seem like small things but they add up to a much better impression! Come back tomorrow and see how to stage your entryway ~

*sources "Peggy's Corner, Stage Your Home for Profit"
Frontdoor.com

Worth-the-Price Fix-Ups

Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home's resale value, according to HomeGain's annual home improvement and staging survey.  The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their buck.  Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

1. Cleaning and decluttering.  Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.  $290 Cost, $1,990 Return

2.  Brightening.  Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.  $375 Cost, $1,550 Return

3.  Smart Staging.  Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.  $550 Cost, $2,194 Return

4.  Landscaping enhancements.  Punch up the home's curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.  $540 Cost, $1,932 Return

5.  Repairing electrical or plumbing.  Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition.  Update the home's electrical with new wiring for modern appliances , fix any lights or outlets that don't work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.  $535 Cost, $1,505 Return

6.  Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets.  Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.  $647 Cost, $1,739 Return

*excerpted from HomeGain's 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey