Category: Staging Your Home

Getting Rid of Your Junk

Whether it’s years of accumulated clutter, old appliances, or household chemicals, it has to go. Is it a DIY job? Or do you need to call in the professionals? Here’s what you need to know. Identify the different types of trash in your home. Your household waste falls into three categories and each has its… Read more »

Yard Sales Still a Smart Way to Declutter

Once you’ve cleaned and organized your house from top to bottom, what is the best way to get rid of all your unwanted junk? If time is of the essence, donate it all to a favorite charity thrift shop. But if you’d like to recoup some of the money you spent, try a garage sale…. Read more »

When Accidents Happen: Removing Pet Stains and Odors on Floors

Pet accidents are inevitable, reminding us all of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Hurry, grab some supplies and let’s get that mess cleaned up and the odor removed. Soiled carpets. Quick removal of pet waste is essential. Left to dry, stain and odor removal becomes more difficult and may result in… Read more »

What to Do About Tobacco Smoke Odor in a House

The lingering odor of cigarette smoke makes any house a tough sell. It will take longer to find a willing buyer and will likely bring a lower price. Unless, of course, the seller is up for the challenge of a floor-to-ceiling scrubbing. Here’s a step-by-step guide. Floors to ceilings. Unlike pet odors that are mostly… Read more »

Tips on Selling a Home with Pets

When pet owners put their homes up for sale, it’s best to make those beloved animals disappear without a trace. The dog beds, the cat crates, the hair, the chew marks and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets. Priority one:… Read more »

Winning the Battle on Pet Hair

Managing pet hair is a major challenge for even the most diligent housekeeper — especially when it’s time to put your house up for sale. Here are a few tips from a pet lover who keeps a squeaky clean home. Floors collect the most hair. Make it a priority to vacuum carpet and dust mop… Read more »

How to Keep Your House From Smelling Like a Dog … Or a Cat

You love your pets, but they definitely pose a challenge, especially when it comes to managing pet odors. Here’s a pet-owner’s handy guide to making those smells disappear. Keep your pet clean. Make sure dogs are washed and groomed regularly. Don’t let their natural body odor build up. Cats groom themselves, but both cats and… Read more »

Too Many Books, Too Little Space

Whether you’re moving or just looking for a more streamlined look, your bookshelves are an obvious place to consider paring down. Books are heavy and take up a lot of space. With the continued popularity of electronic reading devices that store hundreds of books in the palm of your hand, is it really necessary to… Read more »

Transforming a Balcony or Terrace Into a Private Retreat

A balcony or terrace is a great selling feature, especially appealing to prospective buyers who want a private outdoor space where they can relax. To maximize this selling point, dress it up to make it look its best. Clean it up. As with all staging, start by thoroughly cleaning the space. Sweep decking, wash any… Read more »

Potted Plants Are Perfect for Outdoor Winter Staging

When flowerbeds become barren in the winter, it’s the perfect time to use potted plants to add much-needed curb appeal. Finding plants that can add interest and color to the front of your home while withstanding cold temperatures can be challenging. Here are a few winter favorites that will make your container gardens –and your… Read more »

Beautiful Blooms Enhance Summer Curb Appeal

Potted arrangements are a great way to add curb appeal — even during the summer when soaring temperatures can turn gorgeous potted plants into shriveled eyesores. When selecting plants for summer container gardens, look for varieties that can thrive in sun, heat, and potential drought. If multiple plants will be in the same container, they… Read more »

Curb Appeal Blossoms With Springtime Flowers

Spring is the perfect time to use container gardening to impress prospective buyers touring your home. Potted plants instantly add color and interest with beautiful blooms in just the right places. Here are a few top picks. Stock sounds ordinary, but these fragrant blooms are showstoppers. Available in many colors with either single or double… Read more »

Use Fall Favorites to Enhance Curb Appeal

Fall is a great time to use container gardens to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Many plants perform well in cool temperatures while offering beautiful color and texture. Here are a few top picks for gorgeous fall container gardens. Mums may seem an obvious choice for fall decoration, but don’t discount these favorites. They come… Read more »

Festive Outdoor Decor Enhances Winter Sales

The winter holiday season can be a challenging time to prepare your house for sale. Fortunately, staging the outside of your home with potted plants and simple decorations will help attract potential buyers. Try these trimming tips, and you may find yourself celebrating an offer along with the holidays. Keep it simple. Add a few… Read more »

Quick Tips for Last-Minute Showings

Your house is on the market and your agent just called with great news. Buyers are interested in seeing your home. The not-so-great news? They want to come in less than half an hour and your house is a mess. Don’t miss out on a chance to sell your home. Use this quick and easy… Read more »

Choosing the Best Paint Colors for Home Staging

Painting is an essential part of successful home staging. In addition to making your home feel fresh and new, the right paint color will enhance your home’s appeal. It’s important to consider colors carefully — ideal colors ensure your space makes the best impression, while others may decrease your home’s chances with potential buyers. Choosing… Read more »

Twelve Things That Might Scare Buyers Off

Your home might be your castle, but when it’s time to sell, it’s also time to put away anything that could scare buyers away. Here are twelve things you should remove or hide when showing your house may cause a potential buyer to start edging toward the exit. Odors. Have a friend, neighbor or your… Read more »

Spring Forward With Lush Landscaping

Springtime is peak season for listing your home for sale. A well-manicured lawn and colorful landscape provide a luring setting for buyers on the hunt so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. Plan for a springtime sale by prepping the landscape the previous fall. Clear any clutter from the yards, trim back… Read more »

Five Easy Steps to a Front Yard Makeover

When prospective buyers arrive to peruse your newly listed home, will they get a good first impression of the front yard? Put your gardening gloves on and roll up your sleeves. We’ve got work to do. The front lawn, which plays a major role in the overall impression the property, should be lush and green…. Read more »

Curb Appeal—Backyard Improvements

When preparing your home for sale, drive-up appeal is crucial, but don’t overlook the importance of your backyard space, where potential buyers should be able to envision themselves relaxing. Let’s make it shine in six quick and easy steps. Clean up the clutter. For many people, the backyard becomes a haven for junk when the… Read more »