Sell Quickly using this Home Staging Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Top Dollar

Checklists are an ideal way of helping you through the process of preparing your house for sale. Today I want to share with you one of my favourite checklists to help guide you through the process, whilst making it simple and quick without missing any key aspects. Let’s get started!

Street Appeal

The first view a buyer has of your property is from the street, so clean and style the front of the home just like you would the interior. Ensure lawns are cut and edged at all times, keep gardens pruned neatly and freshly mulched. Make sure all toys, sporting gear and shoes are removed. A well presented exterior gives buyers the impression that the rest of the home is well maintained and presented also.

First Impressions

You will only have one opportunity to make that ever, so make an important first impression. The front door and entry way need to be presented well and welcome buyers into the home. Ensure the front door is in good condition and if required give it a fresh coat of paint. Remove old door mats and replace with a new, simple plain coir mat. Be sure to have healthy plants at the front door or in the entry, but choose the size of them carefully.

De-personalise

It is important that the buyers can imagine themselves living in your property. To help them with this, remove your family portraits from the walls. You can also pre-pack any awards and certificates that may adorn the walls.

De-clutter

Less is more when it comes to selling your home. Create a more spacious feel to all your rooms by pre-packing many of your personal items before your house goes not he market. Pack up all the excess paperwork in the study and all the children’s toys that do not fit into a toy box or cupboard.

Clean

A clean home presents as a home that has been well cared for. Cleaning is an essential task in preparing your home for sale. Always de-clutter first, then start cleaning from the ceilings down. The day your home goes to market should be the cleanest it has ever looked. Everything, including the windows should be sparkling.

Repairs

Many buyers do not want to move into a house that has a lot of maintenance outstanding. A home that presents with a lot of repairs required can leave the buyer wondering about what else needs doing that they have not noticed. Tend to all the small repairs now! This will give you less to discuss with a potential buyer when the building inspection is complete.

Lighten and Brighten

The lighter a room is the larger it feels. A light, inviting room can be achieved by increasing the wattage of the lights in the room and removing heavy window treatments.

Storage sells

Most buyers will check out your cupboards and pantries to see how much storage space the property has. To enhance the appeal of the storage in your home pre-pack many of the items not in use and place in an off-site storage facility. Then, ensure that what is left in your cupboards is neat and well presented.

Style your home for the open inspection

For open home inspections present your home at its best so that it has the best chance to sell for a great price quickly. A fresh feeling to the home can be achieved by having the house well ventilated prior to the inspection starting. Make sure that the home is clean, clutter free and, where possible, is at a comfortable temperature. Fresh flowers for open inspections are a must.

For more help on getting your property ready for sale why don’t you click on the link below and head over to our crash course and our free 30 tips to help you increase your property value!