Redecorating Solutions: Quick, Easy and Affordable
By Jan Creamer Girouard
Before we know it spring will be upon us and many of you will be putting your home on the market. You’ll be wondering what you should be doing to get your home ready to sell. One of the most important things you could do is have your home “Staged”. What is staging? Staging is a process of preparing your home for sale beyond the normal straightening and cleaning you would do. Even realtors know the value of a property staged before it goes on the market because it can draw a potential buyer’s eye to the most attractive aspects of the home. How you live in your home and how you sell it are two different things.
The goal is to sell the home as quickly as possible and closer to the asking price. The buyer needs to envision himself or herself in the seller’s home, and, because most people are visually oriented they sometimes can’t mentally remodel a home that needs some TLC right on the spot. If you have ever visited a new home development and walked through a model home you’ve seen how a staged home should look. You want the buyer to have a positive impression where all they feel they need are their personal belongings and they’re ready to move in!
Here are just a few tips to consider that are quick and easy.
- Eliminate any odors, animal smells and use an air freshener if possible. Odors are hard to defend and are always noticed. Bake cookies an apple pie to give that homey feeling especially for an open house.
- Remove personal items that are a distraction. Photos on walls and tables, items on the refrigerator. Remember people need to envision themselves in the home and not you.
- Remove any clutter in the kitchen. Clean appliances and make sure the refrigerator and stove are spotless. Less is best and you need to have it appear open and inviting.
- Clean your windows so the rooms will sparkle
- Turn your lights on and have the curtains open to let the light in. Make the rooms look bright and at the same time warm.
- Add flowers in various rooms and have soft music playing to relax the buyer and have them leave with a good subconscious impression.
I received a couple of e-mails to share with you.
Questions & Answers
Q: I’m about to paint my family room in a warm taupe/beige. Should I paint the ceiling white, too?
Jean T., Warwick
A: You can, but I have found that if you paint the ceiling a lighter tone of what you’ve chosen, it will add such warmth to the room and make it more inviting.
Q: I just bought a chandelier for my dining room. Should I use clear bulbs or frosted?
Sally M., Cranston
A: If you have shades, use frosted bulbs because they bring a warm, even light to the room. Clear bulbs should be used if you plan on no shades. Also, have it on a dimmer.