As an interior decorator my job is to create the home that people want to live in. I take for granted that everyone loves their home and will do what is necessary to update, maintain and overall give, at least, general maintenance to on a regular basis. As a home stager I am at odds with that thinking. We get so used to living in our space that we don't see all the dents and dings that come with the kids, the dog, out of town friends staying over, etc; Someone wanting to purchase a home will see all of those and so much more.
When you put your house on the market you should be putting your "Sunday best" on the home front. No clutter, things tucked away from prying eyes, pantry and shelves organized, you get the picture. If you have had the wallpaper up since your first weekend in your home it is time to put on a new face. Hire an outside cleaning company that won't skimp on dusting the baseboards, removing every cobweb and polishing those windows. Little things make a big difference. Hire professionals that can strip that paper and put on a fresh coat of paint, it will make a huge improvement.
Start at the front door and move through your home the same way the home buyer would. Ask yourself some of these questions.
Does the paint look new on the siding, shutters and door? If not, repaint and yes, plastic shutters can be painted.
Does the front door make a statement? Bright, fresh color? New hardware matching the side lights? No cobwebs hanging? What about a new welcome mat? A beautiful, new American flag crisply flying from the porch? All say "Welcome Home". Make the impression you want to give your most important guest.
Move through your house, room by room, and take it apart with a fine tooth comb. Evaluate each room, maybe with a brutally honest friend, and take every step to make those changes that will help you sell your house.
Some homeowners get fed up with the first few people walking into the house with nothing positive to say and agree to drop the house price by $10,000. Why give your home away when all of the items mentioned above should cost you about $1800-2200? Don't give away your equity, take steps to bring your home into 2012.
Happy Decorating
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