A client recently asked me, "Todd, we have decided to sell our home and want to ensure that our home shows well, where do we start?" Most real estate industry insiders will advise that it is important to complete a home evaluation and "stage" the home prior to or at the time of listing. Outlining the things that may be in need of improvement and taking action on those items are critical to ensure your home looks its best at all times during the sales process. Competition with both other existing re-sales and new home construction in Cobb County is at an all time high and current buyers are looking for clean, neat and new.

If done well, staging makes a remarkable difference. The National Association of Realtors has touted the benefits of staging, with those homes that completed the home evaluation and staging on the market for an average of 42 days vs. and unstaged home of 136 days.

Start at the street- Critical first impressions are made quite often as a potential buyer "drives by" several selections, either wary of stopping to look or eager to step inside. Mowing the lawn, pruning shrubbery and removing outdoor furniture you no longer use or want can quickly impact that decision. All toys, bicycles and other garage items neatly put in its place and ensure street numerals are polished/freshly painted. A new welcome mat, freshly potted plant next to front door, new doorknob and lock and fresh coat of paint on your front door will certainly invite any buyer to enter!

The foyer is just the beginning- You would be surprised on how many home owners have light bulbs in their entryway that are burnt out! Ensure that all chandelier bulbs are working, cobwebs are removed and shoes/coats put away. A fresh vase of flowers with a beautiful scent in the foyer anytime there is a showing can make a big difference on the second first impression as a potential buyer enters your home.
You can tell my age by the amount of furniture and stuff I have- The vast majority of existing homes have way too much furniture, and sometimes furniture may not flow in a particular room. If you are not going to sell your furniture and your rooms appear to be overflowing, consider putting non-essential pieces in storage. Use the same rule with cabinets, closets and counters; if they are stuffed full, buyers will think these areas are too small and may eliminate your home.

Arrange and rearrange furnishings to highlight the flow and architecture of your home- Sellers sometimes get stuck on this one. Your home may have distinctive items that can make a difference. Several windows, a fireplace, wall unit, vaulted ceiling, paintings, plants, pianos can all impact the atmosphere of a room. Moving items around will provide you with the optimal outcome to ensure you maximize the flow of your rooms.

Fix that which is broken- Buyers look for flaws to help lower the sales price in negotiations. Paint/patch if there are rough spots, repair any leaks, dripping faucets, new caulk around tubs and sinks, clean fireplace are just a few examples that can make a difference from a buyers perspective.
Update, spend money? I am selling! - A tired home is typically due to sellers not "maintaining" the home. Simple things like a fresh coat of paint, cleaned or replaced carpeting and updated baths and kitchen can make a difference. An alternative to completely updating a tired kitchen might be replacing items such as inexpensive new countertop, new cabinet or refaced cabinet doors, new light fixtures and a thorough cleaning of all appliances.

Erase your personality- Collect beanie babies? Hummels? Sports memorabilia? Hide it, move it or sell it! Box up your collections, excessive personal photos, and anything else that exhibits your personality. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home, and their distractions could interfere with their ability to fulfill that requirement.

There is light! What is that smell? - Open all your blinds, shutters and curtains. If your house's natural light leaves some rooms dark during certain portions of the day, turn on the lights. Eliminate odors as much as possible- place potpourri in the bathrooms; use air freshener and deodorizer and bake muffins before every showing.

The above list is just a brief snapshot of the complete home evaluation and staging process. Although it may appear as common sense, an outside opinion with experience goes a long way in ensuring you can compete! In my next article we will review, "Home Warranty- worth it or not?"