Now that we've talked about de-cluttering, de-personalizing and the all-important exterior first impression as a buyer pulls up to the home, let's cover the interior room basics.  I don't know how many times I've heard from clients and colleagues how a buyer has been turned off because of too much furniture or "stuff" that sellers try to jam into one room.  It gives the house a feeling of being unbalanced and lacking space.

It is so important to share with our sellers that buyers want to see SPACE!  They want to know that the floorplan will work for them.  First and foremost, too much furniture is NOT a good thing.  If you are planning on selling and moving anyway, remove some of that furniture and place it in a temporary storage area.  Maybe you could donate it to a local charity if it's looking tattered.  There might even be a college student or first-time home owner who would "love" to have it. There's also the possibility of selling it . . . make a few bucks and alleviate having to move it to your next home.

Also, over-accessorizing can kill a sale!  It's hard for a buyer to look through all that "foo-foo" and picture the home as their own.  Find a storage bin to save those precious treasures in or a local thrift store that might resell those items.  Trust me, there's plenty more chatzkis where those came from!

Once we've eliminated the excess furniture and decorative items, it's time to prepare each room.  This is where it's worth investing in a professional stager! The difference between a well-staged home and one that is sort of mish-mash could mean a better potential for selling more quickly and at a higher sale price versus sitting on the market.

No matter how much a good real estate agent tries to get a buyer to look beyond the seller's belongings, most times they can't. In this market of extremely picky buyers (because they can be), every little detail is important! So, follow this formula:  Good furniture placement minus excess accessories equals an A+ for our sellers!

THE IMPORTANCE OF CURB APPEAL!  The process can be as simple as planting a few flowers and cleaning off the cob webs.  Here are some of the main components to good curb appeal.  First, a well groomed lawn (other than winter time -- then we're talking cleaning off the snow in the cold climates)!  It's important that your client is aware of a nicely manicured front setting in order to get the buyer traffic through.  Next, some nice flowers that are easy to maintain.  Make sure to use climate-friendly plantings!  If there are foundation problems with the walkway or driveway, they should be patched or professionally replaced.  I have seen this issue be a show-stopper!

Some other areas are near the front door.  If the paint is peeling on the front door, sand it and repaint it.  A TASTEFUL, bright color can attract the eye of a buyer.  Also, have your client spend the $10 and buy a new front door mat.  It just makes you feel more welcome.  If there is space, put a nice planter of flowers on or next to the front porch or deck.  It's another great welcoming tool!  No one likes to see dirt or cobwebs hanging.  Regularly, have them broom off the front entrance as well as the sidewalk and driveway.  Don't forget to replace the entrance lightbulbs or put up a fresh light fixture for added appeal.

Why do I spend so much time on the topic of STAGING?  Here is a perfect example.  I stage and sell real estate in the state of Michigan.  Most of you are aware that our real estate economy is not very strong, to say the least. A friend of mine asked me to stage a home for her to "potentially" list (I do perform my business services separately and jointly).  I spent 3+ hours going through the home with the homeowners telling them room by room what they should do to prepare their home for listing (and I was paid for my services that day).  They carefully noted in detail what I asked them to do.  Approximately 4-5 weeks later I contacted my friend to see if she received the listing.  Unfortunately, she did not get the listing . . . they chose another local agent, and the home sold in 14 days!  That's unheard of in our market!  But, they priced it right, they listened to an impartial party and they implemented the changes.  Wouldn't we all like a success story like that every now and then (as long as we are the listing agent)!

The first and most important piece of information anyone can pass along to their seller is to DECLUTTER that space!  Buyers want to know that their "stuff" will fit in a home they are interested in. Too much clutter will turn that buyer right away!

SOLUTION:  Go out and purchase a bunch of storage bins ... as many as you need ... for the extra stuff.  Trust me, you can get by without all the extra chachkis on the shelves and window sill -- especially the REFRIGERATOR!  Pick up those dirty clothes and put them in the hamper!  Do you really need all of those magazines from the year 1998? 

Keep just the bare essentials.  Label the bins and put them in the basement, attic storage or even the back of the garage or shed.  Most buyers just assume you are preparing for the move.  You can even find a small storage unit to use on a temporary basis.  A clean slate makes all the difference! 

Staging a home for sale is top priority.  I recently worked with a client who was not interested in a good number of the homes I showed her because of the way the personal effects of the homeowner were displayed.  Don't think the people coming through aren't looking at the little things . . . because they are!  Stay posted for new staging tips weekly!