A buyer decides within 15 seconds of walking into a home if they will write an offer.
There are a few essential items the seller should complete prior to listing their home.
This quick initial impression is the reason that we focus on staging the main living spaces. These include the entryway, kitchen, dining room, family room, primary bedroom primary bathroom, and often the office.
Read on for a professional stager’s advice on the top 10 things you can do before showing your home that will make those first 15 seconds the best they can be!
1. Hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean the property before pictures, staging and the brokers open.
A cleaning service will help a potential seller get to the finish line when putting their home on the market. They will clean baseboards, vents, the kitchen, bathrooms, and everything in between.
2. Trashcans and toiletries should be stored for pictures – clutter and garbage might prevent an offer.
For showings, be sure trashcans are empty. Also, place all toiletries in a shower caddy or container.
3. Mail/Remotes: Purchase a wicker basket with a lid.
Place keys, mail, and remotes in the basket during showings and open houses – HomeGoods and Target are great places to find these.
4. Valuables
Store all valuables like jewelry, medicine, collectibles, or anything of value (monetary or sentimental).
5. Closets and pantries: These should be one-third full.
This open space allows potential buyers to see the size of closets and pantries. Because of this, you should remove items from the floor.
6. Smells in the home
Smells need to be aired out – open windows to let fresh air in. Consider purchasing fresh wave deodorizer and use whole coffee beans to put in vases. Also, essential oils in a diffuser can also clean air.
7. Personal items and accolades
Store all personal pictures, trophies/awards, and diplomas. Potential buyers are getting to know the house and the home’s architectural details, not the seller’s collegiate career.
8. Toys
Store all toys and items like bottles, formula, and high chairs. Toys can be tough to manage. Purchase a large wicker chest from Target or Ikea for toy storage. We recommend you “pre-pack” and box up toys that aren’t favorites. The kids can open the box once they get moved to their new home to find a surprise!
9. Pets
The guidance for pets is the same as for children’s toys. Store all pet items including dog beds, cat litter boxes, toys, water, and food bowls. A potential buyer shouldn’t walk into your home and immediately know you have pets.
10. Lighting
Be sure the blinds are pulled all the way up to let in as much light as possible. Also, curtains should be pulled all the way to the side. Update light bulbs and be sure bulbs are working and have the same wattage. Also, we recommend a daylight or soft white bulb depending on the lighting in your home.
A central theme for most of these recommendations is to pre-pack and box items that you want to bring to your new home – you can consider moving items into storage to clear some space without moving items to a garage.
Contact Nested Spaces for a Market Prep Consultation or to have us stage your listing to ensure your home is “yes!” worthy in the first 15 seconds and ensure a quality offer!
