Spring is here and after our wet winter, it’s time to enjoy warmer weather, blooming flowers and the return of green in the surrounding foothills. The tradition of “spring cleaning” can take on new meaning in today’s real estate market as a great way to prepare and stage your home before listing it on the market or to help it sell faster.
Since it takes only 15 seconds for a buyer to develop an opinion on your house, a good first impression is critical. Carole Meikle, a REALTOR® with the Quail Hill – Irvine office who assists her clients with professional staging, shares her secret to a great first impression: “The secret to successful home staging is emotion. Emotion creates attraction. Utilizing innovative staging techniques, you can create environments where buyers can become emotionally connected and the properties sell quickly for top dollar.”
There are simple, cost effective ways of cleaning and staging your property at the same time in order to appeal to a homebuyer’s senses. Here are a few tips that will help your property stand out from the competition.
Create a model home atmosphere:
Use decorations that accent the home’s architectural features and room dimensions, and present a cohesive decorative theme without over-personalizing.
Repair simple cosmetic issues:
Maintain the finer details of the home by repairing all cosmetic cracks and nail holes.
Appeal to the homebuyer’s “senses”:
- Light: Keep all windows clean and use mirrors to magnify light and space.
- Color: Neutral interior colors are the safest choices for paint and avoid high patterned wallpaper.
- Scent: Keep the scent of the home new and clean by using lemon oil or wax while cleaning.
Room by Room Cleanliness:
Keep all rooms free from clutter and clean carpeted areas and floors. Replace any outdated fixtures and cabinet hardware in the kitchen and baths. Also, replace worn accent rugs in bedrooms and used shower curtains and mats in the baths.
Visit www.OCViewOnline.com to find one of our wonderful agents who can help you learn about staging and how it can affect the sale of your home.