Tips to Help Stage a Home on A Budget

Have you ever walked into a showroom home and imagined yourself moving in?  The organized, clutter-free and neutral decorated space is key to creating mass appeal. Although hiring a staging company is out of your budget, there are many things you can do yourself to mirror the look and feel of a staged home at a minimal cost.

Here are the top tips to help prepare your home for that rapid sale.

Make a Good First Impression  
Within 30 seconds, buyers have already made up their mind about your property. Get a clean, fresh look by addressing the outdoors and indoors.

Outdoors: Wash, paint, weed and plant. Clean your front door. Sand and repaint it an interesting color. Remove all empty plant pots, children's toys and weeds. Mow the lawn, scrub the paving stones and add a pop of color with potted plants.

Indoors: Have your carpet steam cleaned. At minimum, remove any stains by mixing 2 parts water to one part distilled vinegar, spray on stain, cover with a damp cloth and iron on low heat.

Eliminate mold by making a paste with equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse cleanse.

Make those windows sparkle! Mix 1/4 c. vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap and 2 cups water and clean windows inside and out.

If you have a pet, remove all traces of hair and odor. Pull hair from carpets and upholstery by using a squeegee or lint roller. Use a essential oil diffuser or odor eliminator to freshen up the air. Remove toys, food and water bowls prior to showing your home.

De-clutter and De-personalize
Space sells and a neutral decor enables potential buyers to envision themselves in your home.

Start by removing all personal photographs and toiletry items from the restroom, such as toothbrushes, hair brushes and medication.

Free up space by hiding, selling, storing and culling. Take all appliances off the counters and pack them away. Show the storage potential with room for growth by emptying built-in storage and keeping each shelf only half full. Bedroom wardrobes and closets should be less than 75% full.

Rearrange and Decorate
Simple, thoughtful details can make a big difference on how your home shows.

Set your dining room table by using place mats, plates, cutlery and a small arrangement of flowers or candles. Make your bathroom feel like a spa with new fluffy white towels, candles and decorative storage boxes. Keep bedroom furniture to a minimum; bed, bedside tables and a dresser or wardrobe. Make spare rooms functional by borrowing a bed frame then dress an air mattress with neutral bedding.

Present your house as a blank canvas by painting walls a neutral color. Group items in three using a unifying element like color, shape, or texture.

Lights, Camera, Action!
It's time to show off your home at its very best and you have set the stage to encourage buyers to form an emotional connection to it. Before any showing, tidy up, open the curtains and blinds, and turn on every light in the house. Fluff the sofa cushions, add some fresh flowers, and simmer cinnamon, vanilla and water to make your kitchen smell of cookies. You are now set to highlight the best features of your home and allow buyers to envision themselves as the new owners!