Homestaging Tips

Naturally, right before the holidays, real estate is pretty much in a holding pattern. However, if you are anticipating marketing and selling your home in the Spring (the Spring market happens early in Hoboken, usually starting in late February), then you will probably need to prepare your home for sale. Most people, including me, don't keep their homes as clean and clutter-free as a hotel room but when selling your home you need to stage it that way. Your condo or house needs to look as pristine as possible.

Of course, you have to live in it. I advise clients to eliminate furniture not used often, especially sideboards, and unnecessary chairs. A storage locker may be a good idea for such items. Old rugs should be pulled up unless they really add something to a room. You WANT people to notice the floors, not the rugs. Generally, box up any knick-knacks football size or smaller, unless it is a special piece that will accent the room. Boxing up smaller items also gives you a head start on packing for your eventual move.

If walls are dingy, paintng in soft modern neutral colors with contrasting white woodwork will improve the impression for a prospective buyer. The first impression that the buyer gets as he walks in the door is most important. Spaciousness and the impression that the place is clean, neat, and well-cared-for will help you sell your home for its best possible price.

Nancy Wykstra and I are certified home stagers and are happy to answer any questions you might have about homestaging. You can visit our site at http://hobokenhomestaging.com.