Setting the Stage to Sell Your Home

Setting the Stage to Sell Your Home

In the real estate business it all comes down to the same two goals, get the best possible price and sell quickly. Whether it's a six bedroom mansion or a modest two bedroom bungalow it's all about getting top dollar and while the details of the process may vary depending to the type of home and local real estate market conditions the goals are always the same, selling your home as soon as possible and at the best possible price. But how do you achieve those goals?

Most home sellers seem to overlook the one most important fact. In order to sell a home and get top dollar, someone has to fall in love with your house. Think about it. Who's going to buy your home? Someone who views the house and walks away with no further interest? Or the couple walking through with the oohs and ahs and enthusiastic comments as they go from room to room. It's the potential buyer that falls in love with the details and the unique qualities of your specific house that is ultimately going to sell your home.

It's true that first impressions are the most important and in the case of selling a home, the first impression is usually the only chance you're going to have. The way you decorate your home when it comes time to sell can be a big factor in making a potential buyer fall in love with your home.

Many homeowners are under the impression that making their home look as warm and personal as possible will make it more attractive to a prospective buyer and help them sell their home more quickly. Actually it is best to remove most of your personal items such as family photos and knick knacks. A space free of clutter can make a room seem larger and help a buyer imagine their furnishings in the home.

At the same time, when you're trying to sell your home, you don't want a house that feels cold and stark so a photo or two is fine and small touches such as oversized throw pillows and a coordinating sofa throw can make a room feel warm and inviting. Add some potpourri or scented candles. There's a certain psychology to the effects of scent and you can use that to your advantage but go light on the aroma. Too much and it can have just the opposite effect.

Furniture placement can also spell warm and cozy as well and placing pieces in a conversational grouping represent closeness of family and friends but when showing your home you also want plenty of space for potential home buyers to move around. Too much furniture or very large pieces in a room can make it cramped and tight and having home buyers walking away feeling the space was too small.

When it comes time to sell your home, remember your goals to get top dollar in the shortest possible time. A little home staging can go a long way. Keep it simple and uncluttered, yet warm and inviting. Set the stage for that one buyer that will fall in love with your home.