Listing a vacant home is one of my favorite ways to sell a property. It’s no secret that I have a LOVE for decorating and house projects. In fact, a perfect Saturday morning would be a hot cup of coffee and rearranging my living room. I know, I’m a nerd, right?
When a client asks me “Will it be okay that the home is vacant?”, my response is always, “If you are okay with me putting a few staging items in it.”
Today I am picking up some additional pieces for a new listing in Redmond as all of my current staging pieces are in other homes. I brought along with me my favorite four boys as I thought it would be entertaining to see the staff members’ faces when I walked in with four eager helpers and because they are such great helpers picking out stuff.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting your home ready to sell:
- Less is always more. – De-cluttering is a must when preparing a home for sale. By de-personalizing and eliminating the fluff, the space becomes more visible. This takes the house from “Mine” to “Yours”.
- Take a walk in the buyer’s shoes. – Walk through your home and try to think like a buyer. Look at doorways, crown molding and other small details you look right past on a daily basis. Your attention to detail is the difference between “For Sale” and “SOLD.”
- Outside comes first. – Everyone says it but it is so true: the curb appeal will make all the difference. A buyer will drive past your home to determine if they want to set up a viewing and if you don’t appeal to them or grab their attention you will never get them in the door. Make a great first impression by adding potted flowers, dark mulch and sprucing up your entryway.
- Smells can make or break a sale. – Think clean and fresh! Get rid of the pet or cooking odors. Many people buy with their noses.
