Having your home professionally staged is one of the most valuable assets  in a Realtor's marketing bag of tricks.   Staging a home can often be as simple as rearranging furniture and decluttering.  In some instances the additional expense of a fresh coat of paint, or new cabinet hardware is worth the investment.   Home sellers should work with their stager and learn which furniture and accessories should remain, and which should be relocated (to storage or the donation pile).



Remove Collections:  You are not selling your possessions, you are selling your home. There should be a focal point to each room and it should never be the owner’s collection, they distract buyers. 



Lose the bananas:  Clear the countertops prior to having the home professionally photographed.  Buyers are interested in the granite counters, not the bananas.  A simple bowl of lemons or a vase with flowers may have been appropriate.  But the sugar holder, banana ripener and all of the other items on the back counter are just too much... It's a big kitchen, but it looks cluttered.

Clean the closets and cupboards:  Closets, cupboards, pantries, etc. should have at least 25% free space.  Buyers desire storage and if your home appears to have ample storage space, your home will sell faster and typically for more money.  If you are selling a luxury home, be sure to have a couple of luxury shopping bags (or boxes) in your closet.

Poorly lit rooms:  Rooms should be well illuminated.  During the day, window coverings should be open (unless the view is horrific), if needed bring in additional lighting.

Odors:   Your home should not smell of food, pets or cigarettes.  Use candles or room deodorizers before showings.

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Selling your home? Clean out the closets