How to Stage Your Home for Sale

June 18, 10:09 AMHouston Interior Decorating ExaminerKerry Fletcher, ASID

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There are many professionals who make their living by staging, or arranging, homes that are for sale.  A staged home generally sells for more money and in less time than a home that is not staged.  Here are a few basic concepts in home staging:

1)  Anything that is broken needs to be fixed.  Do you have a small hole in your wall, broken doorbell, stained carpet, broken fence picket, or leaky faucet?  Most home buyers are not interested in fixing things and they may be concerned that your home was not maintained properly.

2)  Make sure everything is clean.  This includes your windows, ceiling fans, closets, baseboards, air filters, and home's exterior.

3)  Remove as much clutter as possible.  Everything should be put away properly in an organized fashion.  Empty your closets as much as possible to show that there is more than enough storage space in your home.  Make sure your furniture does not create an obstacle that someone might bump into while walking through your home, else your home may feel small. 

4)  Make sure your home is well lit.  Open your window coverings and turn on your lights.

5)  Remove personal items.  This includes photographs and anything else than may be taste specific, such as really bright or bold colors.

6)  How does your home smell?  Do you have pet or trash odor?  Maybe bake some cookies before a potential buyer arrives to greet them with a nice smell.