Staging your home for a quick sale

The market is slow, there are a ton of homes available in your neighborhood and you are competing against everyone - or so it seems. How do you get your home to stand out and sell a bit quicker?

A recent phenomenom is staging your home before marketing the property. What is staging? Basically it is making your home appear in top form for sale. Here are some tips to consider that should help your home show well.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: An inviting exterior, or “curb appeal” invites a view of the interior. In the summer, keep the lawn trimmed and sidewalks edged, flower beds cultivated, bushes and trees pruned. In the winter, make sure snow is removed from walks and driveways and that the yard is free and clear of refuse. Check the gutters and downspouts for debris and make sure there aren't any leaks. Fix, paint, or wash railings, steps, front door and screens.

WALLS AND WINDOWS: Make sure all windows, window coverings, carpets and flooring are clean. Replace dirty or torn window screens. Touch up picture frame pinholes on the walls and clean or repaint kickboard scuff marks. Reduce or remove the number of personal photographs and frames.

FIX AND CLEAN: Make sure all door knobs and hinges work well and fix those sticking drawers and doors. Stop leaking faucets and tighten all fittings and handles. If necessary, replace worn or dated hardware. Clean and change filters on the furnace and air conditioning unit.

STORAGE SPACE: Store all unnecessary items and rearrange or, better yet, remove some furniture to “enlarge” rooms. Keep hallways and stairs free of clutter. Clear out the attic and basement and store off site. Storage and closet spaces don't look as large when they are filled! Having clothes hung neatly, shoes organized and other articles neatly placed will make your closets appear big and inviting.

LIGHTS: Replace all burned out bulbs and repair any faulty or worn out switches. Clean or replace dated and worn light fixtures.

KITCHENS SELL: Keep counter space clear of appliances. Clean and clear the refrigerator, stove and oven. Bake cookies or bread just before showings.

BEDROOMS: Arrange them neatly. Don't forget to safely store jewelry and personal items. Vacumn floors and rugs and make sure the beds are neatly made.

SPARKLING BATHROOMS: Keep countertop(s), sink(s), tub, watercloset and shower clean. Put away personal items - brushes, bottles and prescription medications.

GARAGES: Straighten up the tools and arrange stored goods on the shelves. Clean garage floors of oil spots and stains and make sure there is enough room to park the car.

TAKE ONE LAST LOOK AROUND! Before showing, tidy everything up one last time. Wash any dirty dishes, put clothes away and straighten up loose papers. Open the curtains and turn the lights on to give your home the best lighting.

Use these tidying tips and clutter-busting ideas and you may just find an edge over the competition that will get that home under contract a bit quicker.