7 ways To Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Selling your home?

Happy Spring! The season for real estate. I see many people put their homes up for sale with little preparation because they are so confident in the "sellers market." Chances are, your home will sell quickly. But don't forget that effective staging will keep offers rolling in, allowing you to collect some extra cash. Here are 8 ways to get your home ready for the market.

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1. Chose the Correct Paint Color

A fresh coat of paint is the first step to a marketable home. Here are some reliable paint colors :
Benjamin Moore - Revere Pewter OR Edgecomb Gray

• These are great colors for a traditional home that is accented with warm colors or brown hues. These paint colors live in the beige/tan family, but have slight hints of gray offering a more updated hue than the traditional 90's beige.
  

Benjamin Moore - Gray Owl

• If the neutral fixtures in your home live in the gray family, Gray Owl will be your best bet. Gray paint is VERY difficult to chose. If you head to your local hardware store to pick a color with your naked eye, I can almost guarantee you will go home to find your walls blue, green, or lavender. Gray owl is a foolproof "true gray" that doesn't have any hidden undertones.

Benjamin Moore - Simply White

• If your home is modern, with themes of white, gray, or black; pick up a paint sample of Simply White from Benjamin Moore (2016 Color of the Year!). Simply White has a subtle warm tint. Yes, white walls CAN be warm and cozy. White is absolutely trending. Don't be afraid of it.

2. White Curtains

Don't underestimate the power of white curtains. Light, bright, simple decor is on trend. The most common issue with old homes is that they feel dark and closed in. White curtains will draw your eyes to the ceiling, giving your space the illusion  of brightness.

3. Get Rid of Clutter Using this Practical Method

Declutter. Decluttter. Decluttter. You've heard from your nagging mother, your favorite home improvement channel, and your real estate agent. Most people don't know how to start with the decluttering process. I'm here with a very simple tactic. Get rid of EVERYTHING that is smaller that the span of your hand. Anything smaller than your hand should be labeled "garage sale." (This is not only a staging method, but a decorating method in general. For the purpose of staging, you may even want to aim for things twice that size!). Also, keep shelves simple. 1-3 items max.

4. Larger Furniture

Get rid of small knick knacks. Get rid of small artwork. Larger furniture? This doesn't seem to fit the theme. However, a tiny table in your dining room will look awkward and make your dining room feel small. Next, pitch the TV stand in your living room that's smaller than your TV. There is a misconception that smaller furniture makes your room feel larger; this is not accurate.

Note: There are exceptions. Please don't put a chunky leather sectional that takes up the span of two walls in your tiny den.
(photo below is from the home of my sweet client, Jamie. See how the larger TV console makes this room feel updated and proportional?)

5. Empty your Kitchen Counters

Get rid of everything on your kitchen counters, your bathroom counters, and your tub/shower surround. Counters should be clear, with the exception of your kitchenaid, maybe a bowl of fresh fruit, and some fresh flowers.

6. Add Fresh Flowers

Do this. I suggest the muted colors of Hydrangeas or Eucalyptus. Your home will feel new, personal, and chic.

7. Make the Right Flooring Choice

This is a tip for those who know their home needs a little more than an accessory facelift. New flooring is a larger investment than the $3 bouquet of eucalyptus at Trader Joes, but remember that you will often get more than what you put in. Here are three tips when choosing flooring to sell:

1. ​Find a floor that incoorporates gray AND brown tones. The "in between" hues scream updated, flexible, and timeless. Buyers shop with their furniture in mind. With Gray and brown as the most prominent neutrals, you can't go wrong with an investment that incorporates both.
2. Consider LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or laminate as opposed to hardwood if you are shopping on a budget. The faux options have become incredibly realistic. LVT is water resistant, and laminate is harder than nails; both appealing to a buyer with a family. (Shaw Grand Mountain color Tavern (my main floor), Designer Mix color Forge (my lower level), and Shaw Alto Vercelli are great options).
3. ​Lastly, if your replacing your carpet, shoot for a LIGHT beige or gray. Don't replace your carpet with a dark color. Yes, it seems like a dark hue will "hide more", but it will make your room feel small. Not to mention, there are many new carpet technologies to keep stains from sticking, no matter how light the color.

Do you have any other home staging tips you would like to share? Drop a comment below. Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to seeing you Friday for a new segment, "Friday Favorites" and next Sunday where Ty will be sharing another Travel Guide!
-HJ