Over the past few weeks I have been seeing Sacramento area homes with clients which do not show well.  With so many homeowners financially struggling and often having to do short sales to get out from under the debt, I am not suggesting they go out and hire a professional stager.  There are some easy and inexpensive things you can do to make your home show better.  Homes that show well sell.

The three most important elements of preparing your home for sale are making sure it is clean, the clutter has been removed and it smells good.  From there, here are few inexpensive things you can do.

De-personalize the home:  Remove all personal photos and other items that will cause potential buyers to stop and try to figure out who lives in the home.  You want them visualizing themselves living there, not you.

Freshen up the Pet Area:  If you have pets, purchase new food and water bowls.  Choose one place for pet beds and litter boxes such as the laundry room or garage.  You want to give the impression of upkeep and freshness.  Beware of odors.

Expand the Closet:  The less you have in the close the bigger it appears. Remove boxes, clutter and, as important, hanging clothes you are not using.  Make sure there is space between each hanger. 

Lids and Doors:  Even if you’re “for sale” house is not vacant, close the drains, sinks and tubs as well as make sure toilet lids are down.  Close closet doors but open shades to let as much sun in as possible.

Brighten it Up:  Make sure burnt out light bulbs are replaced and if you have reduced the wattage to save energy, now is the time to replace those dim bulbs with higher wattage lights.  Buyers love light and bright.

Where They Come-in is Important:  Other than the curb appeal of a home the entry is the first thing buyers see so spend some time making sure your entry is clean and well maintained.  Paint the trim, re-stain the door, change out the handles are all inexpensive ways to enhance the showing of your property.

These are just a few simple ideas of how to stage your home without spending a ton of money and trust me they will make a difference in how potential buyers will see your home.  If you can afford to hire a professional stagger, consider it, a good one can make easy changes that will improve the chances of selling your home quickly at the price you are seeking. 

If you have any questions or would like help in selling your home, give me a call at 916 290-9339 or send me an email to juliej@jalone.com.