Preparing the Kitchen for Showings

The kitchen is the heartbeat of the home and one of, if not the biggest, selling features of a home.  So you definitely want to make sure it is looking the best it possibly can.  Counter tops should be completely clear, no microwave, toaster, blender, coffee pot, napkin holder, bread maker, or dish rack.  This will create the impression of more counter space.  Make sure the counters are sparkling clean and should be replaced if they are old and worn.  Depending on the age, consider updating the kitchen.  It's a wise investment that will return dividends.  At a minimum replace old burners on the range.  Do not put plants on top of kitchen cabinets.  If the cabinets have chips and dings, a little sanding and paint would be a good idea.  Replace brass knobs with brushed nichol or iron for a more modern look.  De-clutter the cabinets by removing the excess to the garage.  It will give the appearance of plenty of space for the buyer's dishes.  The refrigerator should not be a bulletin board and should be completely clear.  Remove calendars, magnets, and photos.  Also remove pet dishes and excess storage bins.  Stow the garbage, sponges, and soap dispensers under the sink.  Hanging pots, dish towels, and paper towel holders should also be removed.  If the kitchen floor is out dated or damaged, replacing it with Pergo or neutral toned linoleum would be advisable.  Use fresh fruit in an attractive bowl for decoration.  All of these small things will add up in making your kitchen look fabulous!

Staging Your Dining Room

Today's post is all about the dining room. While this room isn't a big selling feature, you need to make sure you do everything you can to make it look it's best.  For example, it should not look like an offce, child's play room, exercise, or music room.  If you use it for this purpose that is completely fine, but when you put your house on the market you will need to put it back as dining room.  Borrow or rent a table and chairs if necessary, or use a card table or patio table and disguise it with a table cloth. A brass chandelier should be replaced with something more up to date.  A china cabinet should not be over stuffed.  Take some pieces out if necessary and use for decorations elsewhere in the home.  The use of mirrors can make the dining room look larger, if available.  Set the dining room table with attractive place settings so buyers can visualize entertaining there.  A flower arrangement on the table will also help make the room more attractive.  As with other rooms in the home, remove excess furniture such as tea carts and extra chairs. Take them to the garage.  It is ok for the garage to be cluttered but not the house. 

Day 3 - Staging Your Living Room

A living room should be just that and not an exercise, office, or game room.  Just as with other rooms, wall paper should be removed and replaced with a more neutral paint.  If the floor covering is carpet have the carpet professionally cleaned, especially if there are pets in the house.  Removing pet odor is a must.  If the carpet is worn having it replaced with new carpet will return dividends.  If there are hardwood floors that are worn, consider having them refinished or at least put on a new coat of varnish.  Sparkling floors can make a big difference.  Open window coverings to let more light in the room.  Remember, light sells, dark does not sell.  If drapes are dated they should be removed, no drapes are better than ones that are dated.  Wood blinds are also a good addition but leave them open during showings.  Make sure fireplaces are clean with real wood resting on the grate.  If there is a gas fireplace, have it on during winter months.  A framed mirror would also be attractive over the mantel if available.  Living room furniture should be placed in a conversation friendly configuration.  A sofa facing the fireplace flanked by nice chairs makes a good arrangement.  Remove excess furniture and store in the garage.  Too much furniture will make the room look small.