FIND YOUR NEXT HOME by...

CITY: Select a City: Choose a property type:
What is your price range?

Number of rooms required?
SUBDIVISION: Enter a Subdivision:

Choose a property type:
What is your price range?

Number of rooms required?
REMARKS: Enter Keyword: Choose a property type:
What is your price range?

Number of rooms required?
ZIP: Enter Zip Code Choose a property type:
What is your price range?

Number of rooms required?
MLS #: Enter MLS Number: MLS Number: MLS Number: MLS Number:
MAP: Select a Starting Point: Choose a property type:
What is your price range?

Number of rooms required?

Need more options? Try our Advanced Search!

Map Search

My Account

... So You Can:

View detailed property information
Print detailed property flyers
Save your searches & favorite homes
Inquire about a private showing
Map individual property locations
Share your favorite homes with friends

Staging Your Home to Sell

Posted by Anna Paduhovich on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 9:39am.

Surveys show that staging the home that you are trying to sell pays off -- and, most of the time, staging helps to sell a home quicker. Staging your homes does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money on pricey interior decorating. Here are some thrifty tips on staging your home:

First Impressions Count. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression". Roll out the red carpet for potential home buyers by sprucing up your entryways, especially the main entryway. Nice welcome mats, planters filled with seasonal flowers, and clutter-free foyers/hallways set the stage.
Sell the House, Not your Stuff. Remember that the goal of a successful showing is to make a prospect feel at home -- like it's their, not yours. Put away your personal collections - you want the potential buyer to think about how they can potentially fill the space with their things. Less is more: open up your space so prospects can actually see what they're buying.
Paint and Elbow Grease Work Wonders. Fresh paint and a thorough cleaning will give you the greatest "bang for your buck". Remember that neutral walls are your best bet when staging a home for sale.
Go with the Flow. Arrange furniture for easy traffic flow. Consider placing a major piece of furniture at an angle, such as a couch or desk. Angles add interest and can create a more open feel.
See the Light. Move lamps to dark corners and arrange window treatments so that natural light floods your rooms. Brighter is better, and your rooms will look larger.
Go Green. Live plants can add decorative flair, without spending a bundle. Plants and cut flowers have a way of warming up a room.
Don't Forget the Outdoors. If you have a porch, deck or patio, clean the furniture and replace worn cushions. Give your deck a fresh finish with a new stain and seal.
Make the Kitchen Sparkle. Declutter the countertops by removing toasters, food processors, and other non-decorative items. If you have a breakfast table or counter, put out a couple of table settings complete with place mats, napkins, and dinnerware.
Warm Up an Empty Home. If your home is vacant, consider renting furniture for key rooms, but don't go overboard. Your agent can help you decide what looks best, so make sure to include him or her on the decision.