Monday, January 31, 2011

Staging your home to sell while living there. Part two.

This is tip #2 for staging your home (when you are living in it) to sell in this climate.  Yes, you can do it. But, you wouldn't want to live this way forever.  So, the goal here is stage to sell and sell quick, capture the buyers attention and keep it.


Tip #2:  Furniture placement and traffic patterns make an impact on your showings.  Your home needs to have an open flow of traffic, furniture should not block doorways or traffic patterns.  The potential buyer needs to be able to visually place their furniture in the space.  Create an "I want to live here" feel.  Take any excess furniture out.


Living Room:  If your entry door walks right into the living room try placing a small bench and hang a coat rack to create the feel of an entry.  Try floating the couch and chairs around a small coffee table and a rug to create intimate conversation spaces.  If you watch TV in this room and it is huge, (I know don't say it) remove it (you can do it, just think of how motivated this now makes you to sell your home quickly).  Showcase the fireplace and create a cozy spot for reading.  Think relaxing and inviting.  If your sofa or chair is old and ratty, get a cover, they make surprisingly cute ones now a days, google it.  And, get a nice soft colorful throw that compliments your decor.  Two or three brand new throw pillows add a soft layer.  


Dining Room:  The table cannot be too big or too small but just right.  Float the table to create an open feel.  Do not crowd the chairs.  If you need to, borrow a table that is just right.  There's no need to "set" the table, but have a nice center piece.  


Bedrooms:  The bed must be on a wall that is adjacent to the door (we are talking Feng Shui here).  You want to walk in and have the headboard opposite of you.  Create space on each side of the bed with a small nightstand.  Get a brand new comforter and shams, make your bed everyday.  Take out large dressers.  Look in your closets (because the potential buyer definitely will) and take out all the off season clothing, that will free up a lot of space.  If you have a walk in closet, actually being able to walk in is a huge plus.   You want to feel calm in this space and be able to walk around.  Sheers on windows soften the room.


Bathrooms:  Think spa in this room (it doesn't matter how big or small your bathroom is, it can still feel spa like).  Take off that over the toilet cabinet, unless its a nice built in unit.  If your floor isn't the greatest get a nice big fluffy rug.  Take everything off the counter (yes that includes your tooth brush, yuck).   Sometimes taking out a big vanity and replacing it with an original style that was made to fit that bath.  The photo shown did not have a rug because the beautiful hexagon subway tile was the star of this room.
Before




After


Last but not least, complement your homes architecture.  To get inspiration, buy a home magazine that showcases your homes style.  If you're not sure, please consult an expert!  


 Tip #3 will be on Paint, lighting and floors.....stay tuned



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