Is a Bathroom Reno on Your 'To Do' List?

Dark interiors make a space feel cramped

Tip 3: Improve the lighting in your home for showings

Dark interiors can make a home feel cramped and uninviting. When staging for photographs or open houses, make sure you open all the drapes and blinds to let as much natural light in when possible.

Express news states "lighting can completely transform any space, but unflattering illumination can ruin the most stylish rooms instantly. Make sure that the bulbs are not fluorescent as it subconsciously reminds people of clinical environments. Warm lighting is associated with coziness, relaxation and winding down."

You can also boost the amount of lighting in the home with a layered approach. In addition to ceiling lights, use a mix of floor lamps, wall sconces and table lamps to brighten your space for potential buyers.

...

De-personalzing your home for Buyers

Tip 2

How do you de-personalize your space so the buyers can visualize themselves living there?

The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for sale is to get rid of clutter. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Remove all family photos, diplomas, collectibles and other personal items.
Paint the walls a soft neutral or white. This will create the impression of a larger, brighter space.
Buyers want to visualize themselves living in their potential new home, and this can be hard to conceptualize in a space that is decked out with the seller’s belongings.
Softening your home with neutral colours and fabrics can help make a potential buyer feel more at home.
It is important not to strip your space completely of personality. When staging, stick with basic accent pieces, such as a vase of flowers or simple throw pillows, to liven up the room.
Re-arrange your furniture so buyers can easily walk through. Paring down furniture and putting some of it in storage will again make the house look bigger. Pull furniture away from the wall and place it in a conversational way in the centre of the room.
Minimizing items on book shelves and coffee tables decreases clutter

...

Staging your home doesn't have to be expensive

Recently, I have been consulting with clients about what kind of staging should be done to enhance their homes and get the maximum amount in the shortest period of time. This week I will cover curb appeal.

Tip 1: Begin With Curb Appeal

First impressions really matter. Buyers can easily make a snap judgment from the minute they arrive, so staging the exterior will make your home stand out the instant buyers pull up to the curb. Some upgrades can be done in just a weekend and will cost more in sweat equity than actual dollars. Here are a few suggestions:

Rent a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime from your siding, roof, fascia and gutters.

Paint the front door and/or shutters a bright color, but make sure it coordinates well with the rest of the home’s colors.

Replace old house numbers, lighting, the mailbox and add a new welcome mat.

Mow the grass, free the lawn and eavestroughs of any fallen branches or leaves. Clean up the flowerbeds and lay fresh mulch and seasonal flowers. Even if it's winter, get a set of urns and fill them with hardy evergreen shrubs.

If you have room for furniture on your porch, add a couple of chairs to extend your living space.

...