To Stage or Not to Stage…there IS no question.

Spring is in the air! People are looking ahead to what the year will bring, and for many of you, this new season may be bringing a new move.  

I would like to give you some valuable information on preparing your current home to sell, that will make the move an easy transition and will ultimately earn you top dollar for your home.  

Presentation is the #1 factor in a successful sale.  In today’s competitive market you need your home to stand out from others, you need to inspire others to want your home. You need to professionally stage your home.

 There have been countless articles in magazines and newspapers, as well as research and statistics stressing the importance and value having your home professionally staged before listing it.   Professionally staged homes;

• photograph better, resulting in more appealing listings.  (buyers look at homes online before even requesting a visit)
• sell for more money, and in less time than an unstaged home.
• having a trained unbiased person viewing your home as a buyer and preparing it accordingly.
• showcase your home highlighting features and natural flow of your home.
• walk you through the process of preparing and packing, to ensure an easy transition into the move.

Hire a Professional…a Certified Staging Professional (CSP)

With your best interest and dollar at stake, it is imperative to have your home staged with a certified home stager, a Certified Staging Professional (CSP).  Linda Swift Interiors home stagers are extensively trained and certified through Certified Staging Professionals.

When to call a Stager…aka Linda Swift Interiors?

At least 2 weeks before you actually photograph and list.  Depending on the amount of work to be done prior to the actual staging, you want to give yourself plenty of time for preparations.  

Things you can do today to begin to prepare your home for staging and ultimately the move;

•  de clutter – closets, cabinets, cupboards, storage areas. If it’s seasonal or you haven’t used it in a long time, it’s time to pack it up or give it up.
• clean – deep cleaning areas that don’t get cleaned regularly, closets, windows, walls, trim, doors. Make sure every surface is sparkling.
• minor repairs - drippy faucets, patch holes, paint (consider neutral colours to replace bold trendy colours), fix doors and cabinets that don’t work properly, replace broken light fixtures or bulbs, etc.
• curb appeal – don’t forget the out doors, your front and back yards.  Cut the grass, weed, trim or prune bushes and trees.   Remove old or broken pots, garden accessories.  Repair fencing, have the gutters cleaned, etc. It’s nice to have a visually pleasing yard with shrubbery, trees or flowers.

As you begin your quest into the excitement of looking for a new home, remember you want others to be excited about looking at your home! 

Your next step…call me, Linda, at Linda Swift Interiors.  I will be happy to help you with your next move.