Whether you’re getting your home ready to list on the real estate market, or simply want to refresh your space – there are plenty of simple and affordable tips and tricks to set the stage and showcase your property in the best light. Jessica Del Guercio, Licensed Realtor with The Sarsen Team at COMPASS Greenwich offers quick and easy home staging tips – you can do yourself.
Stay Neutral
When showing your home, you want someone to walk in and envision their style – not yours. The focal point should be on the space and architecture – not the clutter around it.
As the walls are the canvas to your home, keep them light, neutral and remove excess decor and frames. Lighten your space with a fresh coat of paint – opt for an off-white or light cool grey. My 2019 faves are Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of the Year, “Metropolitan”- a sophisticated with cool undertones and Magnolia Home’s creamy “One Horne White”.
Clear the “Tops”
Declutter and clear off table tops and counter tops of photos, personal items and tchotchke
and remove excess books from shelves. Fake flower displays are dated – throw them away and replace with succulents – which are simple to care for and add a natural pop of green, or a classic bushel of fresh Hydrangeas.
Peel the Layers
Heavy curtains, valances and drapes are drab, and weigh down a home, making it feel darker and smaller. Remove the layers and let the light in. Leave windows free of any dressing or replace them with simple neutral sheers.
Area rugs catch dirt – not buyers. Lift, roll and throw any excess area rugs – including bathroom rugs – into a closet or under a bed. They detract from your space and cover up key assets – like hardwood floors and marbled baths.
Devil is in the (Cleaning) Details
Buyers are more than ever looking to move into turn-key homes, without the fuss of having to deep clean, remodel or paint. Take the time to examine your walls, molding, doors, cupboards and fixtures for scuffs, scratches, dirt or chipped paint. Pay special attention to bathrooms – ensure marble grout and shower caulking is mold-free, bath is clean and the seat is down!
– Clean scuffs from walls, molding, and doors. Need a miracle worker? Hop to Amazon and purchase Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and Zep Foaming Wall Cleaner. This spray is amazing
– Fill in nail holes and cracks with spackle
– Look for chipped paint on cupboards, molding and walls and re-touch
– Tighten screws on loose kitchen cupboards
– Clean the windows – inside and out
Curb Appeal: First impressions mean everything. Remove any exterior décor that may detract from the homes design. Spruce up your curb (even in the dead of winter). Clear out leaves and weeds, prune your hedges and brighten your stoop with a festive seasonal planter or wreath.
Spray wash your exterior to remove dirt, spider webs and mold. Give Clorox’s Patio & Deck Cleaner Solution a spray for pesky mold and dirt stains. Solar lights are affordable, easy to install and key for year-round outdoor lighting.
Light a Candle – but keep the scent light
Smells are a great way to welcome – or detract people from your home. Be aware of stringent cleaning solutions and harsh smells, sure to make a poor first impression.
Expecting guests? Baking cookies or a pie sounds like a great option but let’s be real – who has the time for that! Instead, purchase a tasty smelling candle – my go to is anything vanilla. Place near the front door to welcome guests and “scent” the stage for their visit. Try Voluspa “Bourbon Vanille” or Yankee Candles “French Vanilla” candle
With some time and a bit of elbow grease, one can easily tackle most of these tips within a week or two. However, sometimes it pays off to hire a professional. With warm weather on the horizon, now is the time to plan ahead if you are considering listing your home. At Compass real estate, we take a hands-on to guiding our clients to ensure their property is presented in the best light and receives the best offer possible. Our team will provide a complimentary home visit, design evaluation and a tailored project timeline, outlining your home organization and staging needs. For those that don’t have the cash on-hand to stage, no problem – our new Compass Concierge program offers home buyers the opportunity to tackle home improvement projects, without the worry of overhead costs prior to closing. Compass will pay the approved vendors directly and collect the fee at closing.
If you are considering putting your home on the market – or even just curious, contact Realtor Jessica Del Guercio and The Sarsen Team at Compass Greenwich: [email protected] or 917-359-0515
