CityView Magazine

50 | May/June 2015 1 Declutter Some experts ad- vise to proceed with packing up 90 percent of a home. Pack away toys and clear bathroom and kitchen countertops. Yes, even closets should be tidy and well organ- ized. Storage space sells! 2 Depersonalize Dozens of fam- ily pictures can hinder a potential buyer's ability to see the home as their own. Dawn cautioned against removing all personal items, though. "I don't recommend to- tally de-personalizing because I do find some personal touches are what make the home in- viting and warm." 3 Clean and deo- dorize Find a comprehen- sive home-cleaning checklist on the In- ternet so that no dust bunny will be le behind. Either maintain on your own or hire a service. When on the market, ensure the home has a fresh scent for every showing, whether by opening the windows for a natural breeze, baking cookies or simmering a cinnamon stick and water on the stove. Mind the litter box. "You want the buyer to notice the home and not be distracted by clutter or offensive odors from pets, smoking or food," said Dawn. 4 Neutralize room color Know that a home may sell more quickly if walls are painted a neutral color. A fresh coat of glossy white on trim work and doors makes a room look fresh and clean. A trick to making a space appear larger is to paint an adjacent room the same color. 5 Create a comfortable space Hang, roll or fold new, fluffy tow- els in the bathroom. High-quality deco- rative pillows on the couch or bed lend a luxurious feel to sparsely decorated rooms. 6 Trim the hedges Commit to regular lawn care, ei- ther on your own or with a landscaping com- pany. Simply mowing, trimming, edging and laying mulch or pine straw can enhance curb appeal and distinguish a home from others on the market. 7 Create light Open curtains, blinds and shutters. Re- place all dim lightbulbs with a higher wattage and ensure all lamps are on for showings. A good "rule of thumb" is 100 watts of light per 50 square feet. 8 Bring the out- side in Expensive fresh floral arrangements in every room are beautiful, but cutting sprigs from the yard can achieve the same effect. Aim for something alive in every room. Clip for the sea- son. Magnolia, holly, pine and maple are always plentiful in Fayetteville. Decorate with fresh fruit in the kitchen. 9 Does it work? Ensure all outlets, appliances and unfinished improvement projects are complete and in working order. Whether an owner enhances the beauty of their home with the help of a profes- sional stager or a tight budget and "el- bow grease," statistics show rewards. A survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation found that staged homes spent half the time on the market than non-staged homes and sold for more than six percent above asking price. CV Before calling in the professionals, take stock of the space with a new perspective. There are simple and profitable steps for minimal expense. 9 steps to staging your home "Look at your home the way someone else will see it," said Anne Monje.

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