Staging Tips

Curb Appeal

Staging is about staging the whole property – not just the inside. Work from the outside in. First impressions really do count. So Curb Appeal is important. If a property has no curb appeal, some potential buyers won’t even bother to look inside.

Remember the way you present your house for sale is different than the way you live in your home. So if, for example, your shrubs are overgrown because you want privacy from the street – remember: You can’t sell it if you can’t see it!

A few things to action:

1. Prune trees from the bottom up so the house is visible from the street.
2. Prune shrubs from the top down to ensure your windows are visible.
3. Trim back any tree branches that touch the roof – that will please the home inspector (!)
4. Place fresh mulch/bark in the flower beds.
5. Keep your landscaping simple and add a bit of colour.
6. If you’re selling in snowy months – be sure to shovel the walkway to ensure front door access. (You may choose not to use your front door, but potential buyers will.)

Curb appeal includes the house itself:

1. Is the front door a welcoming focal point? Perhaps it needs a fresh coat of paint.
2. Are the steps and pathway to the front door in need of repair? Best to get them fixed. Because if you don’t it sends a strong signal to potential buyers that the house is in a state of neglect – an opportunity to bargain down on price if they like it.

Stand across the street and look back at your house. What do you notice? Does is look great? Welcoming? Well done! Now you can start preparing the inside.