TCnbc Magazine - Page 27
Repair – Now that we have some additional space and hopefully some organization in each room, we can deal with those areas that need repair. Remember we’re only focusing on what the eye can see, for example, leaky faucets, grimy caulking, broken tiles and tarnished bathroom hardware.
Special attention should be given to repairs in the kitchen and bathrooms. A home that is in a good state of repair generally indicates to a prospective buyer that the home has been well maintained.
Upgrade and Update – During the repair step, work projects might range from purchasing small items like a front door mat and new front door hardware, to somewhat larger items like carpeting, lighting fixtures and new sod. Upgrades might also include stripping off old wallpaper (especially wallpaper borders) or adding a fresh coat of paint to walls to cover specialty paint techniques or vivid colors that are now outdated or will not appeal to most buyers.
Clean – The rule here is clean, and then clean some more. Every home listed must be scrupulously clean. Dirt puts off a buyer faster than anything else. Wage war on grime and dirt and especially bad smells!
Malodorous aromas may not only cause potential buyers to cut short their visit to a home, but also suggest to the buyer that these odors may indicate bigger problems such as mold or rot. Consider that potential buyers might be totally put off by the idea of having to spend days and days cleaning a dirty home before even thinking of unpacking boxes and settling in. Many a time we’ve come up against cat litter boxes in the kitchen. Pet paraphernalia and pet odors are definitely unacceptable.
Decorate – This step is the final and least important step of the staging process. It's also optional -- you can take the less expensive route of simply establishing vignettes that will help to create a fantasy. Bear in mind that the buyers are buying the home -- NOT the furnishings.
Decorating can be accomplished by simply repositioning the existing furniture and accessories, revamping certain pieces with neutral-colored slipcovers and bold-colored accent pillows, or by replacing or adding art and accessories from your own inventory. While we don’t suggest that you invest in a large inventory of furniture, we do recommend that you acquire a personal inventory of staging accessories and perhaps a few basic furniture items. Making this small investment will mean that you will never again have to show an empty house. Even if your client refuses to stage their empty house, you should have a small inventory of accessories that you can use to create
some appealing vignettes.
Andy Capelluto is with The International School of Staging and holds a degree in Interior design
Click here to see her web site