5 Inexpensive Staging Tips

by Cristen Conger

 (full article here)

5. Replace Hardware
It’s amazing how small adjustments can make huge differences. Focus especially on the handles and knobs in the kitchen and at entranceways. The kitchen is a primary focal point of the house and is often the most important room to prospective buyers. Changing out the hardware and lighting switch plates is a quick, inexpensive update. Also inspect the doorknob and knocker at the front door. Oxidized hardware should be buffed to a shine or replaced, since it makes for a poor first impression.

4. Let the Light In
Brightening up a house can work wonders for its size and charm. According to a survey conducted by HomeGain.com, lighting up a room typically costs less than $400 and adds a $1,500 boost to the final sale price of a house. To take advantage of this enlightening idea, start by scrubbing the windows, frames and screens. Next, get rid of dark window treatments and replace them with more transparent materials. Some windows may even look fine if they’re left bare.

3. Paint
A simple and relatively cheap method for enlarging a room is adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Trading out a dark tone for a neutral beige or cream can transform a space. Home-staging experts state that home owners can recoup the cost of a tasteful paint job — and then some — in the final sale price.

2. Spruce up the Yard
Scorched grass, overgrown hedges and bare flower beds don’t bode well for what’s inside the house and may deter people from ever crossing the threshold. A 2007 report from Remodeling Magazine found that minor landscaping has a 100 percent return on investment. Even if you don’t have time to repair grass or grow a healthy garden, mulch and potted plants can serve as more attractive substitutes. Patios and decks should be cleaned and prepped as if you’re throwing a neighborhood barbecue.

1. Clear Out Clutter
Cleaning and decluttering involves more than just sorting out and throwing away old mail and newspapers. Closets should be emptied out and organized to showcase their storage space. Remove knickknacks and dust collectors from shelves and display areas. Even living room furniture should be edited down to a few major pieces that leave plenty of open space for traffic flow. When organizing your remaining decor, think in odd numbers; clusters of three and five pieces are ideal for creating vignettes, or designed areas within a room. What isn’t thrown away should go into storage boxes and put into a rental space if necessary. In addition, every conceivable surface in the house should get a scrub down.