Serious Home Seller Tips

The fall market moved quickly upon us. The staging tips I have for you this week is directed to the serious home sellers.
The winter market (December and January) are the toughest selling times of the year. The good thing about this market is that only serious buyers are looking. I know that sound like an oxymoron and in a way it is, I’ll explain.
A typical thing happens every year and this year I don’t believe the economy will change it. During the next few months numerous homes will be taken off the market. Over the years the reasons I have been told are: moving during the holidays or homeowners don’t want to move in cold snowy weather. This leaves only the serious sellers on the market.
A serious buyer is one who wants or need a new house and is not letting holiday or cold stop them. A serious buyer is kind of like my sisters who brave the Friday after Thanksgiving to go shopping.
Let start with fall curb appeal. This time of year the leaves are falling into the flower beds so rake them onto your lawn then mow them up don’t forget to use the catcher. It’s as simple as that.
Once more great suggestion is to buy a few bags of mulch and spread around your flower beds. This defines the flower beds and makes the grass look awesome. Mulch is a seasonal item and might be hard to find at your local hardware store try a nursery.
Holiday decorating is a touchy subject, but one that must be touch on. Let’s start with curb appeal, to many lights can scare buyers away. Staging Rule: Less is best! Keep all décor at a minimum. This is one rule you can’t break when it comes to curb appeal. Christmas lights and objects are classified as personal items. The cute plastic Santa, reindeer and any other yard item are not to be put in your yard. I do allow a few exceptions but first I want to see it. You can e-mail me a picture of your Christmas décor and I will give you a simple yes or no. White lights can add a touch of class and highlight the house. If you do add any lights make it extremely easy to put up and take down. You might be doing it in the cold weather.

Inside décor is another place to Simplify. Yes, you can have your Christmas tree, but minimize all the other items. A simple center piece on your dining table and coffee table are fine. Remember your fireplace is a focal point. This year your stocking will count as décor. If your stocking don’t match don’t use. Rule of thumb for mantle is keep it simple. Decorate your mantle then send me a picture and I will let you know how you did.

Your fireplace is a focal point use it wisely. Items for your fireplace should be simple and elegant. Use a wreath or a mirror with a tall item such as a nutcracker on one side and staggering candle sticks up to 3 on the other side, use a silky scarf in neutral colors instead of garland. Same goes for your centerpieces use a silky scarf once again and no more than 3 candles with your centerpiece. You can also buy one yard of silky material from your local fabric store to use as a scarf. Pick a solid color that will enhance your space such as white, brown, bronze, gold, black, and silver. How to make great candle sticks. Find a three to four inch diameter log with bark, cut into staggering heights then place pillar candles upon them.

When you are living in a home that is on the market remember to keep it clean, decluttered and pack up your personal items. Buyers are more likely to buy your home if you can hide the fact that you are living in it. Make your house a model home.
Send picture to: tamie@paisleyhomestaging.com

Vacant Home Staging
Finally word to serious sellers if you are selling a “vacant” home this is the best time to have your vacant home staged. My average staged vacant homes are receiving offers within the first 4 to 8 weeks. A vacant home sends a message to a buyer that the home is distress. By staging you take the distressed look away.
The average cost to stage a vacant home currently is about $1,500.00 for 3 months. That is a lot less than a price reduction. Also did you know hiring a professional stager can be used as a tax write off. Included in vacant staging: furniture and all the accessories needed to make your home feel like a model home.

Once again if you have questions please blog me I am more than happy to help.