November 16, 2009

Staging your home on a shoe string...the living room

Posted to Julie Sarton

Now that you’ve enticed buyers through your newly staged front door, it’s time for first impressions inside. The living room is usually the first room they see, and sets the stage for the rest of the home. Again, staging is the whipped cream on the pie, and the last step after de-cluttering, cleaning, and neutralizing; it can make a home appeal to the senses and emotions of the buyer, with messages of comfort and warmth. Try different furniture arrangements that emphasize spaciousness and openness, yet appear intimate and cozy. If any of your furniture is getting worn or ragged, invest in some inexpensive slip covers or a colorful throw. Some fresh, plush pillows will also invigorate older sofas and chairs. Make sure all personal photos are put away, so the buyers can imagine themselves living there, and pick some of your best art pieces for the walls.

After de-cluttering all surfaces and tables, pick a few decorative objects and place them in groups of 1, 3, or 5 on several tables and the mantel; fresh flowers and plants, dried flowers, candles, small baskets with pine cones, and magazines or books add color and warmth. Make sure all curtains and blinds are open (blinds can be down but open vertically) so that the room looks bright and fresh. When I show homes, one of my pet peeves is walking into a closed up, dark, gloomy room! If your home is being shown from mid-afternoon on, turn on the lights and let the agents turn them off as they leave. Ceiling lights make a room look cold and impersonal, while horizontal table lighting is warmer and cozier. Since offensive odor is the #1 reported turn-off for buyers, air out the home beforehand if possible, make sure the litter box is clean, and spray some Febreze around judiciously. You’re on your way to the ‘wow’ factor, and ready to move to the next room.

Posted by:Julie Sarton

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