We at A. Morris Realty are experienced at getting you the most money for your home.  One part of doing this is to make your house look its very best.  Below are some helpful things to do to accomplish this.  Note that not all of these things are applicable to your homes needs and we are here to help you decide which things will apply to your unique situation.  We want to make sure that the money and time you spend will give you the greatest return.

STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

EXTERIOR

· Fertilize lawn or replace tired lawn with sod. Keep front and back yards freshly mowed and watered.

· Plant colorful inexpensive annuals along walkways and on either side of front door.

· Trim shrubs, trees and edge lawn

· Clear walkway to front door

· Clear off porch; remove dead plants. 

· Replace doormat

· Clean or replace light fixtures

· Polish or replace tarnished brass doorknob, kick-plate and doorbell

·  Remove weeds and rake topsoil, or mulch flower beds

· Make sure mailbox and post are in good condition. If not, paint, fix or replace.

· Windows should be spotlessly clean. Also, dust and clean window sashes and seals.

· Park vehicles in garage. No cars, boats or trailers in driveway or in front of the house on viewing days. 

· Store away hoses, trash cans, recycling bins and bikes.

· Replace house numbers if faded or missing

FRONT ENTRANCE / HALL

· Remove any furniture crowding the space

· Leave lights on and use maximum wattage bulbs

· Hang a mirror instead of artwork to reflect light

· Remove area rugs, runners or plastic protectors ( to expand space ). If rainy season, o.k. to put mat inside front door

· Clean out hall closet. ( often opened by buyers )

FAMILY, LIVING AND DINING ROOMS

· Remove extra furniture, accessories and dead or sickly plants

Put extra furniture in storage or basement

· Lay logs in fireplace; remove old fireplace screen 

· Leave only a few items on the mantel

· Remove religious and political objects, limit sports trophies and family photos

· Remove magazines and newspapers

· Don’t use a tablecloth,, placemats or set table

· Put a simple centerpiece on table 

· Wash or replace chandelier, make sure all bulbs work

· Reduce clutter in buffet.

· Paint walls and trim if necessary

BEDROOMS

· Store away excess furniture and clutter

· Replace bedspread and pillows, if necessary

· Leave 1 to 3 decorative items on dressers, but no more

· Paint walls and trim if necessary

· Add a healthy live plant or vase of flowers

· In kid’s rooms: remove tacked up posters and loose artwork

Note: Kitchens and bathrooms are extremely important areas. Buyers 

pay special attention to these areas. Make them shine

KITCHEN

· Clean until it sparkles

* Thoroughly clean the stovetop and oven. Replace burner drip pans

· Definitely make minor upgrades if needed, such as painting,

Fresh window treatments or new flooring.

· Replace outdated handles or knobs

· Shine or replace faucets

· Expose as much counter space as possible; store appliances

· Remove refrigerator magnets and bulletin boards

· Scrub or replace sink

· Add a plant, basket of fruit, and/or a vase of flowers

BATHROOMS

· Clean until it sparkles

· Replace outdated handles and knobs

· Replace shower curtain. If tub enclosure; leave open and clean glass of soap scum and mineral deposits

·  Shine or replace faucets

· Clear off countertops; display basket of potpourri or soaps

· Buy a new set of hand towels

· Replace old vinyl floor

· Replace old toilet seat

· Store trash can and tissue box

     Remove area rugs, toilet seat cover or tank cover

· Add a healthy plant or vase of flowers

Paint walls and trim if necessary

*** N0TE:   Kitchens and bathrooms are extremely important areas. Buyers 

pay special attention to these areas. Make them shine ***

CABINETS AND CLOSETS

·  Clean, declutter and organize

PETS

· Dogs and cats need to be invisible while buyers tour the home 

*** Extremely important to eliminate pet odors***

SCENTS

·Appropriate aromas.  Don’t overdo it. Keep it light and fresh.

· The smell of baked cookies or pies can be inviting

LIGHTING

· Create as much natural light as possible: Open up blinds and curtains

Make sure all bulbs are working. Turn lights on at night

· Put in higher wattage bulbs for brightness(where appropriate)

AMBIANCE

· Have soft FM music playing in background

· Fire burning in gas log fireplace ( seasonal )

GARAGE

· Tidy stored items

    Remove oil spots from concrete, or paint floor

BACKYARD

· Arrange garden furniture. Use wood, metal or cement 

furniture - no plastic

· Remove empty pots, dead plants and tools

· Put clay pots of flowers in groupings near door

· Repair or power wash deck