If "all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players" then this should be most evident when you sell your home. Nothing demands more preparation as staging your home for a viewing. Somehow, when you begin to look at your home through a buyer’s eyes, little defects that you have ignored will be magnified several times over. If all buyers were as thorough as you, you feel you will never be able to sell your home.v

But all is not lost. Like anything in this world, you can prepare for this event. Think of your home as a blank canvas, or a stage, and let all the elements inside (and outside) your home as props. Determine which props will make your home look better (or look bad) and adjust these as need be. Let’s move from the inside and work ourselves out.

Before you open your home to potential buyers you have to make sure that:

1. All the rooms of your house are in good condition. The walls should not have any chipped paints, all the carpets, drapes, windows and ceilings are clean and all the lights (and electrical sockets) are functioning well.
2. Next look at your furniture. Although having a lot of furniture makes a home look more comfortable, it also makes it look smaller. You want to make your buyers see a lot of space, and allow them to envision their own pieces inside the home. Determine which ones you should retain (i.e. sofas, AV cabinet, dining table and buffet), and which ones you should keep in a storage facility (i.e. small ottomans, occasional tables).
3. The same goes with the accessories. Keep the decoration to a minimum. If possible remove the very personal ones (trophies, wedding photos) and retain the very basic items (scented soap and coordinated towels in the showers, a few fruits for the kitchen, a coffee table book on the living room center table).
4. When you move outdoors, make sure that the exterior looks (and is) well kept. The gutters should be free from dried leaves, loose shingles and broken shutters should be replaced. Make sure that the paint is evenly applied and that there are no chips nor is the paint peeling in places.
5. Finally, look at the foliage and the exterior grounds. The plants or hedges should be trimmed. The patio, lanai, garden should be free from charcoal (from last weekend’s barbeque), rocks, toys, garbage and even dog poop (if you have a dog).

Once you attend to all of these, your home would be ready to receive visitors. As an added touch, try to put fresh flowers inside your home, play some soft music and have brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries available for your guests.

Now, your stage is set and is ready to receive its players.

More Articles on Home Staging

Home Staging Ebook

Only Need One Form? Purchase forms
separately for only $4.99 each