Benchmark Realty

Buying a house is an emotional decision as people are not just purchasing a home, they are buying a lifestyle. By helping them with their vision so they don't have to rely completely on their imagination, you positively impact how they feel in the home.  This will be reflected in the sales price and number of offers you receive!

Presenting your home in its best and most appealing light to the buyer, can help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar.  Here are some great tips to help you stage your home like a professional!

Kitchen: A great looking kitchen can be a selling point in a house. The kitchen of a home for sale should only have the bare necessities on the counters and in the cupboards.  The kitchen should have good aromas or no smell at all (bake cookies before a showing!). Sinks and floors should be clean and dirty dishes out of sight. The cabinets should be wiped down and the appliances free of food and crumbs.

Bathrooms: If there is a leaky faucet or toilet, get it fixed. If the tub or sink has a chip in it, get it repaired. Replace worn out or dirty grout. Make the fixtures sparkle and clean the mirrors and vanities. Put out fresh towels and coordinate them in one or two colors. Have a clean shower curtain or doors, with no mildew. Remove any unnecessary items from countertops, tubs, shower stalls and toilet tops.

Closets: They look larger when there are fewer items stored in them. Neat, well-organized closets show there is ample space available for the new homeowner and their things.

Garage and basement: Keep everything neat and uncluttered. Put everything away that is not part of the decor. Oil squeaking door hinges, tighten loose cabinet knobs and fix faulty wall switches. Organize or pack away tools not in use and discard boxes and scrap materials.

Small rooms, problem spaces
Three or four deliberately over scale items in a room will fool the eye into thinking the room is larger than it really is. Keep backgrounds even and consistent. Whatever window treatments or wall color is on one wall, keep it the same on all walls. Uniformity is a must in small rooms.

Be deliberate with your selection and use of accessories. A few interesting accents are always much better than a lot of knick-knacks that say "clutter" rather than "charm."

On the outside

The outside of the home is one of the most important areas because it is what the buyer sees first. A clutter-free yard and well-maintained house are essential in luring the buyer inside.

The front entrance of the house should be clean, including the front door mat.  Make sure the doorbell works.