How to set the stage for marketing my home to buyers?

Most buyers use the internet to search for homes today, usually on their smart phones. So it’s vitally important to think crisp and clean when preparing your home for the market. That first click through of your property is the first showing. If you are planning any updates or staging to get your house ready to sell, here are a few tips that will ensure your property photos make a great online impression.

Focus first on curb appeal: Take inventory of the home’s exterior and address any needed repairs or updates. Make sure the front entrance is in good repair and welcoming. Consider power washing the exterior to make the house and walkways look clean and crisp.

Choose the right interior colors: Using up-to-date colors can make a huge difference, particularly if you have outdated or dark colors. A few to consider are Gray Owl or Classic Gray with Dove White trim. Or just all whites. For the exterior, the lighter the better.

De-clutter: Minimizing clutter is a key step in staging, and it’s critical for obtaining sharp photos. Rooms look bigger when they aren’t overstuffed with furniture. Surfaces and counters that are spare and clean look newer and more expansive and let the online buyer see the beauty of the bones of the house, like a pretty fireplace mantel or lovely molding. Remove personal art and photos. Consider new white bedding for a fresh, clean look.

Keep in mind a room’s focal point when decluttering: Rooms are better presented when they have a defined purpose. For example, having an office in your family room or bedroom can look confusing and messy.

Let your floors shine: Hardwood floors offer a cleaner look that today’s buyers prefer and will be more appealing in photos than worn carpeting, so take up old carpeting and refinish floors if needed.

By keeping the stage appeal of photos in mind while preparing your house for the market, you’ll have gone a long way to attracting the most potential buyers.