Category: Staging Your Home

Hiring Landscapers and/or Hardscape Installers

When putting your home on the market, you want your house to have that “wow factor” that pulls buyers inside. A tidy lawn, neatly trimmed shrubbery and fresh mulch go a long way toward providing that essential curb appeal. But what about homeowners who just don’t have the time? How do you hire excellent landscapers… Read more »

Hiring Drywall and Paint Professionals

Whether sprucing up your house for sale or remodeling it for yourself, almost every homeowner at some point hires a painter or a dry wall contractor. How do you find good ones? A good dry wall professional’s work is virtually unnoticeable. Why? If he or she has done the work well, the interior walls are… Read more »

Hiring An HVAC Contractor

You’ve decided to sell your home, which means it’s time to have your heating and air conditioning system checked one last time before closing. Or perhaps you need to do repairs as part of a sales contract agreement. Or maybe your house has reached the age at which a new, more energy efficient system should… Read more »

Hiring an Electrician

You’ve decided to sell your home, which means it’s time to fix that dead outlet in the guest bedroom. Or perhaps you’ve been setting aside the cash to install recessed lights in your kitchen. Both scenarios lead you to the same question: How do you go about finding a reputable electrician? Electrical contracting is highly… Read more »

Hiring a Plumber

You’ve decided to sell your home, which means it’s time to fix that slow drip in the upstairs hall bathroom. Or perhaps you’ve been setting aside the cash to do a major renovation, including a new sink, tub and shower. Or maybe your home is in desperate need of a replacement hot water tank. All… Read more »

Your Best Home: Kid’s Room Edition

Children’s rooms are among the most difficult to decorate — mostly because the occupants are constantly growing and changing. Within a matter of years, that perfect princess- or train-themed room looks too babyish for a preteen, sending you back to square one. Whether you’re treating your child to a room makeover or trying to sell… Read more »

Your Best Home: Home Office Edition

Offices have become a staple in many homes and top many prospective buyers’ wish lists, too. But with all the paper, the equipment, and the office supplies, it can feel like mission impossible to keep it all looking great. Regardless of whether you’re staging for sale or just trying to maintain a clutter-free home office,… Read more »

Your Best Home: Outdoor Edition

Whether you’re welcoming guests or potential home buyers, it’s important that your home make a good first impression. But with so many elements — flowerbeds, lawn, mailbox, porch and the all-important front door — addressing your home’s exterior can seem overwhelming. If you don’t know where to begin to create an attractive outdoor space, we’ve… Read more »

Your Best Home: Living Room Edition

Ever wish your living room was as stylish as those you see in home-decorating magazines? Or, are you getting ready to sell your home and want a living room buyers will love? By applying the principles of home staging, you can transform your living room into a space both you and potential buyers will love…. Read more »

Your Best Home: Kitchen Edition

You’ve probably heard that staging your home will help it sell faster and for a higher price. But why wait to put your best decorating foot forward until you’re ready to move. Do it for yourself, and enjoy. If you later decide to sell, you’ll be ahead of the game. Here are a few tips… Read more »

Your Best Home: Entryway Edition

Vestibule, foyer, entryway — this space goes by many names and serves a number of purposes. It welcomes guests to your home, tells the story of the people who live there, and provides much-needed storage. With so much to do in a limited space, designing a great entryway can be challenging. Check out these simple… Read more »

Your Best Home: Dining Room Edition

The goal of a great dining room space is universal. It should be inviting and make guests want to linger at the table. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or you’re staying put, we’ve gathered four simple strategies to make your dining room a comfortable spot to gather around the table. Give it a… Read more »

Your Best Home: Bedroom Edition

Your bedroom should be your personal retreat — a soothing, restful space to unwind at the end of the day. Check out these six bedroom-staging tips, whether you’re prepping for a home sale or just a good night’s sleep. Consider your color palette. It doesn’t matter if you’re decorating or staging — paint is powerful…. Read more »

Your Best Home: Bathroom Edition

It’s probably no surprise that when we scoured surveys of people’s favorite rooms, their bathrooms didn’t top the list. Most people want their bathrooms sparkling clean with a spa-like feel, but that can be a challenge with this utilitarian space. Whether you’re planning on selling or staying put, here are several tips to transform your… Read more »

Potential Buyers Don’t Want to See, Hear or Smell Your Pets

When putting your home up for sale, it’s crucial to make a plan for your pets. While prospective buyers may love their own pets, they don’t want to see — or smell — yours when touring your home. Here are a few ideas for keeping your pet’s presence low profile. Arrange for help. Boarding your… Read more »

Selling a “Haunted House”

Haunted houses are no joke when it comes to selling a so-called stigmatized property. The same goes for houses where someone has been murdered or committed suicide. The stigma surrounding the house may make it difficult, but not impossible, to sell. Here’s a guide for the owners of such a property. Clean and purge The… Read more »

Pay Back Time: Which Home Renovations Are Worthwhile?

When contemplating resale, homeowners often wonder what renovations will give them more resale bang for the buck. Let’s take a look at what renovations pay off and some that don’t. Focus on priorities. Although your house is an investment, first and foremost it is your home. Don’t view renovations solely with dollar signs in your… Read more »

Prepping for an Open House

You’ve decided to hold an open house to help sell your home. Think of it as your chance to showcase it. Here are several crucial steps to take in preparation for the big day. Acquire the buyer’s perspective. Set aside your emotional attachment to your home and think about it as a potential buyer will… Read more »