10 quick ways

... To Stage Your Home and Add Value

1. Paint and Repair Walls -

 Fresh paint is a quick and inexpensive way to brighten a room.

Open curtains and let sunlight in-a bright room is happy and appears bigger.

Repair and dents, gouges, holes or cracks before you paint

Keep your windows clean or even remove sun blocking window dressings.

For selling purposes, remove personal photos or items with your name.

Paint in neutral colors-a gallon of paint can yield much return

2. Lighting and Plumbing Fixtures

Replace outdated fixtures and light fixtures

Replace any burnt out light bulbs

Fix leaky faucets and remove buildup.

Use solution 50/50 vinegar and water to dissolve and use scouring pad.

3. Revitalize Your Kitchen Cabinets

Give your cabinets a thorough cleaning

Consider new knobs and handles

Be sure to take your old knobs to the store to make sure the new hardware will fit.

Eliminate clutter from the kitchen counters

If you remove the doors for cleaning-be sure to label them

4.Replace Switchplates and Outlet Plates

Next to painting, they are the easiest and quickest ways to update a room.

It is a great way to accent a newly painted room

I have seen people come to an Open House and comment on dirty switchplates

5. Get Organized

A well organized home creates the illusion of space-rooms look bigger

Label and store off season clothes and shoes

Remove items from your desks, closets, floors and countertops

Find out if your town has a large item removal day

Decide where you will confine your pet when potential buyers view the home-preferably outside

Limit knick-knacks on any piece of furniture to 3 items and remove most of the items from the wall

6. Replace Old Flooring or Clean Carpets

Consider exposing that beautiful hardwood 

Clean carpets

Replace carpets that are beyond cleaning or outdated

If you replace carpets, use neutral color-that bright blue carpet may be on sale but it will be money poorly spent

7. Touch Up Your Landscape

Never under-estimate the importance of curb appeal

Remove old, big bushes and replace with smaller greenery

Keep your lawn neatly trimmed or keep snow shoveled

Re-seed any bare spots

Consider using a quick-greening fertilizer

Bright colors add energy and pastel colors add serenity.

8. Paint Your Exterior Trim

A fresh coat of paint increases curb appeal

It gives you a fresh new look without painting the whole house

Glossy paint provides an eye catching look. Ask your local paint store for recommendations on flat or glossy

 9. Paint, Stain or Replace Your Front Door

Your front door is your first impression-make it a good one

Consider a modern upgrade

Touch up your old door with paint or stain

Replace lock, handle and kickplate

Add decorative house numbers

10. Seal or Stain Your Deck

If water beads or stands on the wood you may not need to seal

Cleaning and sealing should be done on separate days

Remove unneccessay items-keep a few chairs and grill