Six Tips for Staging Your Home to Show for an Open House

by Kara Masterson

The way that a home is presented at an open house can make or break potential deals. The following tips can help you stage your home so that it shows well and you get generous offers you are looking for in the sale of your home.

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A Great First Impression

If you want to impress potential home buyers and draw them to your property, the place to start is the entry to your home. It is important that this area look its very best. Be sure to get rid of any spider webs, dirt, or built up grime. Clear the driveway and make sure anything unnecessary is off the property.

Inspect and Repair

Any obvious damage should be repaired. Make sure that the doorbell and locks are in working order. Doors should open smoothly and not catch. Paint that is peeling or siding that is damaged should be touched up or replaced before buyers see the outside or inside of your home. When checking for damage, it is also important to check for pests. A home pest inspection may be worth your time and money before having an open house because most buyers will request one before closing.

Make Your Home Clutter-free

It is important for buyers to see themselves living in a home. They need to visualize their own belongings and furniture in the space. This is difficult if your clutter and personal belongings are hanging around. This includes the garage area as well. Buyers want to see if their own stuff will fit so a clean, uncluttered garage is a must. If necessary, rent a storage unit and showcase a clean, uncluttered space.

Paint

It is amazing what a fresh paint on the walls can do! This is probably the best thing you can do to add interest and value to the interior of the house for potential buyers. Try to stick with neutral colors to appeal all tastes. Consider painting it a gray, tan, or white so buyers can envision their personal color choices and art on the walls. If you have baseboards and molding, make sure that it is touched up and clean.

Be a Clean Freak

The last thing a potential buyer wants to see is last night’s dishes in the sink. Make sure that each room is spotless. Consider hiring a cleaning service to make sure the job is done thoroughly if you don’t have the time to do it yourself. The carpets should be professionally done to rid the home of allergens and pet odor. There should be no offensive smells in the home and be careful of any air freshening or cleaning products you may choose to use. A potential buyer may have allergies or be sensitive to certain smells.

Just the Right Touch

After you have your home clean, repaired, painted and uncluttered, it is time to stage furniture, accessories, and add finishing touches. Place furniture so that the rooms feel open and spacious. Consider setting the table with simple place settings so that anyone walking through feels welcome. Open up all the window coverings so that natural light is available in the home.

These simple tips can give you an edge as a seller and make a great impression on a potential buyer looking at more than one home. Make sure that your home stands out in a positive way and wait for all the offers to come rolling in.