Selling Your Home?

7 tips for staging your home

by Andrea Peck

• Clear out clutter by removing books, magazines, knickknacks and television sets, particularly if a TV is in every room. In storage or out of sight is best, but the basement, garage or spare bedroom can be the storage spot for prepacked boxes.
• Showcase the home’s square footage by eliminating nonessential pieces of furniture. Avoid shoving furniture up against walls. Create angles that draw people into a room.
• Slipcover or remove heavy or outdated furniture. Also, pillows, throws and other accessories can be used to draw attention away from outdated furniture so that a buyer focuses on the room rather than the furniture.
• Highlight the architectural features that make the house appealing, such as a fireplace or floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Remove as many personal items—diplomas, family photos and awards—as possible so that prospective buyers can envision living in your house.
• Highlight the “premium” rooms, such as the kitchen, family room, master bedroom and master bath.
• Consider removing wallpaper that is tattered, torn, stained or out of fashion.