Villadom Times Weekly Local Newspaper

March 24, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 27 Home Improvement & Gardening Set the stage for selling your home this spring The spring real estate market is here and owners who are planning to list their homes are preparing for some true spring-cleaning. Selling a home is similar to selling other products in that presentation is everything. Staging a home well allows a seller to show the property’s potential and allow a buyer to envision him or herself living there. Personal pictures, furniture, carpeting, and more are all issues that sellers must address to gain an edge in the marketplace. The good news is that the cost of preparing a home for sale, also known as “staging,” does not have to be prohibitively expensive. However, staging does require a commitment of time, effort, and guidance to ensure the maximum return. As a Realtor and Home Stager with McBride Agency, Lynne Bigica has developed a few inexpensive ways to make a home more appealing to the broadest range of buyers. Curb appeal: First impressions are everything. The ﬁrst thing a buyer sees is the front lawn and entranceway. Ensure the lawn is mowed and shrubs are trimmed. Wreaths, potted plants, and a new welcome mat will help create an inviting feel. Be sure the walkways and porch are swept and in good condition. Remove clutter: Start by cleaning out the basement. This will create space to neatly pack items that must be removed from the upper ﬂoors. De-personalize: At some point, a seller will be moving, so begin by packing up most personal items. Remove personal photographs, collectibles, and diplomas from the walls, religious symbols, political posters, and other personal effects that may keep a potential buyer from “seeing” the house. Repairs: Small, inexpensive repairs must be addressed. If left unchecked, leaky faucets, broken or cracked windows, etc., can leave the impression that a house has not been maintained and may have bigger problems. Clean: It is imperative that the house be as clean as possible. Remove cobwebs, ﬁngerprints on walls and light switches, pet hair on furniture, etc. Use air fresheners in every room to address potentially unpleasant odors from cooking, smoking, and pets. Air out the house, and wash all the windows, inside and out. Remove excess furniture. The ideal vibe for buyers is a home that has a “model home” feeling. Open up space by moving furniture into storage or to another room. Take care of the ﬂoor: Badly worn or out-of-date carpets should be replaced. If the removal of the rug(s) reveals beautiful hardwood ﬂoors, consider having the wood ﬂoors polished instead of carpeting again. Dirty carpets should be professionally cleaned. Arrange furniture: The furniture arrangement in each room makes a statement to a buyer. A Home Stager can help here. Basement maintenance: If there are odors or dampness in the basement, purchase a dehumidiﬁer and use deodorants and disinfectant sprays. Lighting: Be sure all light ﬁxtures are in working order. If possible, open blinds and draperies to ﬂood the house with natural light. In any market, it is important to present your home in the best possible light, but given the current challenging economic conditions and increased competition, home staging is essential. A trained, impartial critic can be a bonus when it’s time to sell. A seller needs to generate the “wow” factor, and home staging will get you there. Staging services include paint selection, room accessorizing, furniture rental (if needed), and personalized recommendations for each room. Statistics show that staging a home will result in a sale for more money and in a shorter period of time. Stage your home right from the beginning and sell it sooner. Spring This article was submitted by Lynne Bigica, Realtor, Accredited Staging Professional, Certiﬁed Negotiation Expert, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, and e-Pro (Internet Marketing Specialist) from McBride Agency. E-mal Lynne Bigica at Lynne@LeaveItToLynne.com or phone (201) 805-9282. 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