I wanted to end my series on home staging with an article on the top five issues I run into while staging properties and how to correct them. In case you missed my other two articles they are, “Are you selling your home this year?†and “5 Point Checklist for Getting your Home Ready to Sell.â€
Top 5 Issues:
1. Front Door Entrance.
Often people don’t use their front door, and over time it becomes neglected. I recommend a fresh coat of paint in either red or black for the most significant impact when viewed from the road. Obviously, you will want to take into account your existing exterior colors when picking a door color. Also, check with your neighborhood homeowners’ association for limitations on exterior color choices.
2. Carpet.
If you have wood floors, expose them as that is what millennial’s are looking for in a home. If there are stains or damaged boards, consider getting them replaced, or buffed out and the floor waxed or sealed. If you don’t have wood floors and don’t want to replace old carpeting, have it professionally cleaned. Use a light-color area rug to bring light and a sense of newness to a room.
3. Wall color – Various rooms in different colors.
The trend is toward a restful plain palette. Depending on the amount of light that you have in your home will depend on what color will enhance the attributes of your home. If you have small rooms, low ceilings, and dark wall colors your house will feel small. A fresh coat of paint in a light palette, such as a tone of white, gray or beige, can make a significant impact on the feel of the home and potential selling opportunities.
4. Dark or inappropriately sized window treatments.
As mentioned under wall color, if you have dark, heavy window treatments, it will make your home feel smaller and closed in. You are better off removing them and replacing them with uniform white or cream ready-made panels that you can find at home stores.
5. Clutter.
Start packing. Homes will feel larger if your home is not bulging with lots of little accessories, children’s treasures and dog apparatus. Too much to look at keeps the buyers from focusing on the qualities of your home.
For all your home staging needs, give me a call 610.955.8202 or email, and I can help you determine the best items to correct, and set up your home to get top dollar in the shortest on-market time.
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Feature photo by Debbie Correale.