Tips for Selling your Home-Part 2

Most people naturally like the most current trends in everything, including homes. One of the best ways to see what the current trends are, is to look through model homes to see what finishes and décor are being used in new construction. As much as possible, try to imitate these things in your home.

Homes that have a touch of contemporary mixed with the classic style seem to be very popular right now. Not everything needs to be model home perfect but if you get a start, your buyer can catch the vision. To imitate this contemporary/classic style in your home. Here are a few things to consider changing.

• Brass has currently lost favor in most décor. So spray paint or change out everything brass. (Watch for my future blog about spray painting brass.)
• Change out or spray paint light fixtures and ceiling fans, especially those with brass.
• Remove wallpaper. Wallpaper is such a personal choice; it will be rare to find someone who has your exact tastes in wallpaper. Removing it is a tedious process, so do the work for them and sell your house more quickly at possibly a higher price.
• Paint colors should ideally be neutral. I still have a few areas on my “to-do” list to paint. I had a purple fetish when we moved in and although it is starting to gain popularity again, it is not a favorite color for the majority of people.
• Updating window treatments or simply removing them all together will add to the brightness of your home and give an updated look.
• Floral prints are not as popular as they once were, so a solid color slip cover on furniture might be worth the investment, plus you can take it with you when you move.
• Plant a few annuals in front of house or use pots by your door to add color.
• If your grass has a lot of weeds, consider using a weed and feed to tame them.
• Scale back furniture to make rooms seem as large as possible.
• Try to find the balance of allowing the potential buyer to imagine living in your home with their stuff, but not going so far as to be stark.
• Consider hiring a “stager” if this seems overwhelming to you.

Here are a couple of before and after pictures showing how staging can make a world of difference.