May 3, 2019

The Nip Tuck of Home Showing

Sellers often ask – “what should I do to get my house ready to show to the world?” Inevitably, the concept of staging comes into play. I am a proponent of the same if it’s in the seller’s budget. But what if it isn’t?

Renting furniture can be an expensive and time consuming endeavor. When asked what to do, I inevitably answer with 1 word – “facelift”.  While a facelift can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. I have put together a list for transforming your pride and joy without breaking the bank. I call it the Nip Tuck of Home Showing.

Exterior: 

  1. Think Curb Appeal. Since first impressions usually start at the front door why not add a fresh coat of paint. Generally, people flock to the neutrals: white black and grey. For the more daring try a soft color palette that appeals to the senses maybe a pale blue or a soft green.  Instead of flat finish, use semi, high gloss or lacquer.
  2. For a little “extra” why not add a door knocker, a welcome mat, an outdoor lantern or a new house sign.
  3. Try flanking 2 pots on either side of your front door.
  4. If your budget allows go one step further and try foundation planting or fill in some of your existing beds.
  5. Cut lawn, remove debris, trim overgrown plants and prune existing shrubs.

Next, the interior:

  1. The first space viewed by a prospective purchaser – the entrance hallway. Swap out that worn out welcome mat for a new one, add an umbrella stand, a console, or a mirror. 
  2. De clutter. Give away items that you no longer need or use. Clean up, clean out, and organize. Place objects in their proper place and remove unwanted objects off the floor.
  3. Here too, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way.
  4. Open blinds, drapes and curtains – think sunny, bright and inviting.
  5. Rearrange existing furniture. Avoid over-crowding as a room filled with furniture can appear smaller than it actually is.
  6. Place a throw pillow on your sofa, new pillowcases or a sheet set on your bed, or drape a faux fur or mohair blanket on your favorite chair.
  7. Soft lighting can be achieved simply by changing your existing light bulbs to LED efficient.
  8. Place fresh flowers in a vase. Fresh plants or flowers scream inviting, tasteful and homey. If you have a fireplace why not add some logs to give your home that lived in cozy feeling.
  9. Add a pretty bowl or book on your coffee table or something glass on your book case.  Accessorize. Use what you have. That’s the key.

It’s amazing how the addition (or removal for that matter) of one object can change an entire room view.  Simple right!