Selling your Florida Home - Staging Your Home

Step 2. Staging your Florida Home for Sale - Interior Selling Tips

The next step in preparing your home to sell is to do a thorough visual inspection of your home. Small imperfections can lead a potential buyer to question what other issues the home may have.  You must disclose any known issues with the home to your buyer so it is often best to go ahead and address the issues before they can discourage an otherwise interested buyer.  In addition, most home buyers use the services of a certified home inspector to search for issues that may not be obvious. You may want to hire an inspector prior to listing the home so there are no surprises that could potentially derail your sale.  You can then provide a copy of the inspection report to any interested buyers as an additional piece of information to help them make a purchase decision.

Ceilings and Walls

Inspect your ceilings and walls for paint stains, scuffs, crayon marks from kids, spider webs in the corner and make sure these issues are addressed before showing your home. If you see water stains, including paint or wall paper that appears to be bubbling or peeling off the wall, you will want to take a closer look to determine if you have a water leak that needs to be corrected.

Painting

Regardless of whether you have an old color scheme or just plain white walls, painting is one of the least expensive (if you do it yourself) and most effective things you can do to increase the WOW factor of your home.  You should always select colors that would appeal to the widest range of buyers, not just what you think looks good.  As mentioned before, visit a model home from a builder to find inspiration.

Flooring

Carpeting is often an item that new buyers replace when they buy an existing home.  Since you are not buying the carpet for your enjoyment, there is really no need to invest in replacing your carpet unless it appears too old, dated or worn out.  However, it is worth it to hire a carpet cleaning service to give your carpet a touch up. If you do end up replacing it, choose a neutral style that will appeal to the widest variety of buyers.  Repair or replace any hardwood flooring or tile where possible. If you find this not possible, consider the option of offering an allowance toward replacement of damaged/worn flooring as an incentive for the buyer.

Windows

Wash any windows that are too dusty or have fingerprints are marks on them.  Replace any windows that are cracked or broken.  Next it is time to whip out the WD40.  Spray down any windows that do not open and close smoothly. Replace any latches that have broken off or no longer function correctly.

Doors

Keep that WD40 handy and spray any doors that squeak when opening.  Wipe down any scuff marks on doors. Make sure sliding glass doors and sliding closet doors move easily in their track.

Furniture

As mentioned on the previous page, make sure your rooms are not packed with furniture.  Store any excess furniture.  That which remains should be clean and undamaged.  Consider having the carpet cleaning company clean any furniture pieces while they are there cleaning your floors.

Fixtures

Home fixtures such as sink knobs and faucets, door and cabinet knobs and light switches should be cleaned so they appear as new.  Replace any items that appear too worn or dated.

Funky Odors

It may not be noticeable to you as you are used to it, but pet smells and smoking inside create odors that are immediately noticeable to potential buyers when they walk in the door.  Consider buying plug in odor eliminator products commonly found at your local grocery store and place them in various rooms throughout your home.  If you smoke, try and smoke outside.  If you have an indoor cat, make sure you empty the litter box before showing the home.

How Much to Spend on Repairs

Remember, that you are not going to get to enjoy the benefits of your repairs, so take a loan out.  That could negatively impact your credit score before you buy your next house.  If there are major issues with your home that need to be corrected, this is something that can be negotiated with the buyer.  You don't need to renovate your house, you just need to get it to a condition that does not leave a negative image with the buyer.

Staging your Home

To show your home in the best possible light to potential buyers here is a list of recommendations:

• Turn on all the lights in the home
• Open all of the window blinds and curtains
• Make up your beds
• Put away dirty clothing
• Clean up the floors
• Turn on some music - no metal please - and keep it low
• If you have a home theater - put a movie on
• Vacuum the floors
• Clean up the kitchen
• Make sure the temperature is comfortable
• and Finally... Leave the house, preferably before the buyers arrive.
  
  

Next: Step 3 - Creating Curb Appeal - Exterior Selling Tips:

Steps to Selling Your Florida Home:

1. Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
2. Staging Your Home - Interior Tips
3. Curb Appeal - Exterior Tips
4. Pricing Your Home - Setting Your Listing Price
5. Real Estate Commissions
6. Marketing Your Home in Today's Environment