Spring is an ideal time to list your home for sale. But before it is listed on the market, be sure it is attractive to buyers. According to survey by the National Association of REALTORS, most real estate professionals estimate staging increases the sale price of a home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.
“It doesn’t always take much to make your house more appealing,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.
Staging your home does not require hiring a company. It can be as simple and inexpensive as some sweat equity from the homeowner. Setting aside some time to make small improvements will pay off in the long run.
Boost curb appeal– The exterior of your home is the first impression, make sure it is a good one. Real Estate website Zillow, has some recommendations on making a warm welcome.
- Trim shrubs, bushes and trees.
- Repair broken downspouts and gutters.
- If it’s appropriate for your yard, apply new mulch, river rock and/ or pea gravel.
- Clean and repair concrete areas such as driveways and walkways. Be sure to eliminate any oil or grease stains and remove any weeds coming through the cracks.
- Spruce up the front with some new flower pots with bright colored flowers and a welcome mat.
- Make sure the house numbers are easy to see an in a style that complements your home.
- While listed, keep the yard mowed, weeds pulled and the front of your home and the porch, patio and deck swept.
Clean– This requires more than the weekly cleaning. Clean all surfaces, dust fan blades and window trim and blinds as well as floor trim. Clean the windows and make appliances sparkle.
Declutter and Organize– Less is more. Get rid of any piles of stuff as well as bulky furniture. Don’t forget the closets, the less you have in them, the more spacious they appear. Clutter makes a home look messy. Put away personal items, such as family pictures so buyers can see themselves in your space.
“Walk through your home with the eyes of a buyer and notice what improvements need to be made,” suggests Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.
DIY improvements-This includes touch up paint on scuff marks, fixing loose door or cabinet handles and knobs, replacing burned out lightbulbs or fixing a running toilet. You might consider replacing outdated fixtures as well.
Spruce up décor-Keep décor simple. Repaint a bold wall color, a neutral. Remove unusual artwork from the walls, this helps potential buyers visualize better. Buy new towels, bath rugs and candles for the bathroom and close the toilet lid.
Smell– Bad smells can be a deal breaker. Remove lingering smells from last night’s taco dinner or Fluffy’s litter box. Try burning a vanilla candle.
