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                                                       Home Staging Tips

1. Make closets appear tidy and larger by beginning your packing early. Decide what you can do without for at least 2 months and either pack it or bring it elsewhere. Buyers will forgive a neat stack of boxes or storage bins in the garage or basement.

2. Depersonalize the home by removing photos, mementos, and dated items.
a. Clear items taped or attached to the refrigerator by magnets.
b. Remove family pictures unless they would leave an unsightly nail hole.
c. Remove your large collections such as plates, porceleans, thimbles etc. They are precious to you, but may look like clutter to buyers.

3. Make a grand entrance by stragically placing a floor plant, or small table with a plant or lamp such that it is the first thing seen upon entering the home. A carpet runner with darker, richer color tones will add style as well as clear soot from foot traffic yet not show the soil on the carpet. Do not block the entrace in anyway.

4. Focus on your main living areas and find focal points. The kitchen, living room, master bedroom and family rooms should receive the most attention. a. Look for focal points such as a fireplace or entertainment center and move furniture to
a. create a cozy conversation pit.
b. Try angling one or two pieces of furniture slightly and move furniture 4 to 6 inches from the wall to create more interesting room spaces.
c. Clear the counters of appliances in both the kitchen and bathrooms. Stratigically place decorative candles.
d. A few books in the book shelf is cozy. Too many books is clutter. Box up the books and place a plant, vase, pretty bowl, or clock on the shelf where the books were.
e. Too much on the shelves or mantles is common. But nothing at all is bad too. Remove the items and then place 1/2 of them back. Create an interesting display with groupings of 3 in a triangle or layered arrangement.

5. Make the dining area inviting by setting 2 or 4 places with attractive linens, dishes, stemware and a centerpiece.

6. Make a small room appear larger by hanging one or two prettily framed mirrors.

7. Add small touches of color by place a silk or real floral arrangement in the room or by adding a plant in a colorful pot. Green plants are inexpensive and great. Think subtle and classy not bold or brassy.

8. Use natural light where you can and light up wherever necessary. Open the blinds. Turn on all lights inside and out, even during the day. Add a lamp to light dark corners and create a cozy room.

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