How to Stage Your Home: Part One

From finding your perfect agent to researching the market and setting your listing price, there’s much to consider when selling your home. But preparing your home for sale, or home staging, as your agent may call it, might be the most critical step of the process. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank for it -- simple fix-up work will get your home in fine selling condition. We recommend talking with your competent, qualified real estate agent when deciding what parts of your home on which to focus. He or she will know what it takes to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. But if you need a place to start, consider the following home-staging tips.

Curb Appeal. Your home should make a striking first impression on potential buyers – so throw a coat of bold, glossy paint on your front door and polish the door knob and knocker to make them shine.

Depersonalize. Put away anything that is unique to you, including family photos and personal memorabilia. The goal here is for homebuyers to focus on the space and structure of the home – not you. Creating a good first impression may cost you some time and money in the beginning, but in the end it will add dollars to your selling price.

Stay tuned for more home-staging advice. For other home-selling tips, contact a Real Living agent or visit RealLiving.com today.