Start Staging from the Curb

“Staging” is the process of preparing (packaging) your home (product) so that it becomes substantially more attractive to a greater number of buyers. We know what to do if we’re selling a car: clear out all your personal stuff, detail the inside, wash and wax the exterior, place an ad in the paper, then present it to the world. Why would we do anything less for one of the biggest investments most of us make?

Start at the Curb In other words, how does your home look from the street? Many a potential buyer will not even get out of their car if a house does not grab them at first glance. Even among humans, statistics show that upon meeting someone, we decide whether we like them or not within the first 3 minutes. It seems logical that we would evaluate a home just as quickly, and indeed we often do.

Here are a few tips that can give your home a competitive edge and might just motivate a buyer to step inside to purchase.

Add Potted Plants: Placed on either side of the front door, potted plants can add color and beauty, attracting the eye and drawing people in to see more. Make sure to have appropriately sized pots and plants that properly enhance the house and do not crowd the entry. A client, whose house had been on the market for 6 months without an offer, did this and their house sold in less than 2 weeks. The buyers loved the look so much; they wanted to keep the potted plants.

Clear the Cobwebs: In Florida there are a glut of flying and crawling critters that leave deposits on homes. Sweep or brush exterior ceilings and walls regularly—especially at the front door, to keep it clean and bug free. Have your home pressure cleaned as needed. If a buyer makes it to your front door only to be accosted by bugs and webs, it does not make a great first impression.

Keep Outside Lights on at Night: Buyers might want to get a feel for the neighborhood at different times of the day and night. Your house can stand out by keeping lights on at the front door and throughout the yard. Highlight tall trees with spotlights pointed up into the leaves for a dramatic look. Mark pathways or border garden beds with smaller lights that gently illuminate flowers and smaller bushes.

Paint the House: Update exterior colors and improve the presentation of your property with a fresh coat of paint. If the entire house does not need to be painted, at least pressure clean the exterior, including the driveway and walkways, and touch up the trim and front door.

Toni Lefler is an Organizer Extraordinaire, Staging Super Hero, Moving Magician, Makeover Master, and Feng Shui Sleuth. Services are available both on site and virtually. To learn more, visit www.ToniDezign.com and contact Toni at 561-707-32525 or ToniDezign@gmail.com