| Redecorating Solutions: Quick,
Easy and Affordable
By Jan Creamer Girouard |
Before we know it spring will be upon us and many of you
will be putting your home on the market. You'll be wondering
what you should be doing to get your home ready to sell. One
of the most important things you could do is have your home
"Staged". What is staging? Staging is a process
of preparing your home for sale beyond the normal straightening
and cleaning you would do. Even realtors know the value of
a property staged before it goes on the market because it
can draw a potential buyer's eye to the most attractive aspects
of the home. How you live in your home and how you sell it
are two different things.
The goal is to sell the home as quickly as possible and
closer to the asking price. The buyer needs to envision himself
or herself in the seller's home, and, because most people
are visually oriented they sometimes can't mentally remodel
a home that needs some TLC right on the spot. If you have
ever visited a new home development and walked through a model
home you've seen how a staged home should look. You want the
buyer to have a positive impression where all they feel they
need are their personal belongings and they're ready to move
in!
Here are just a few tips to consider that are quick and easy.
- Eliminate any odors, animal smells and use an air freshener
if possible. Odors are hard to defend and are always noticed.
Bake cookies an apple pie to give that homey feeling especially
for an open house.
- Remove personal items that are a distraction. Photos
on walls and tables, items on the refrigerator. Remember
people need to envision themselves in the home and not you.
- Remove any clutter in the kitchen. Clean appliances and
make sure the refrigerator and stove are spotless. Less
is best and you need to have it appear open and inviting.
- Clean your windows so the rooms will sparkle
- Turn your lights on and have the curtains open to let
the light in. Make the rooms look bright and at the same
time warm.
- Add flowers in various rooms and have soft music playing
to relax the buyer and have them leave with a good subconscious
impression.
I received a couple of e-mails to share with you.
Questions & Answers
Q: I'm about to paint
my family room in a warm taupe/beige. Should I paint the ceiling
white, too?
Jean T., Warwick
A: You can, but I have
found that if you paint the ceiling a lighter tone of what
you've chosen, it will add such warmth to the room and make
it more inviting.
Q: I just bought a chandelier
for my dining room. Should I use clear bulbs or frosted?
A: If you have shades,
use frosted bulbs because they bring a warm, even light to
the room. Clear bulbs should be used if you plan on no shades.
Also, have it on a dimmer.
If you have any decorating questions please call me
at 401-849-1668 or my e-mail is jan@allaboutredecorating.com.
Because of limited space I won't be able to print all questions,
but I will respond to every inquiry personally.
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