When you are thinking about selling your home in Illinois, the lyrics to an old song may give you some guidance on how to prepare: accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. According to FindLaw, another word for the process of presenting the house in the best possible light, and possibly even increasing the sale price, is “staging.”
Staging a home involves obvious activities like cleaning and making any necessary repairs, but it may also include renting new furniture or splashing on a new coat of paint in order to make the home appear more desirable. You can save money by staging the house yourself, or you can hire a professional stager to bring his or her expertise to bear in making your home desirable to potential buyers. Here are some helpful tips for do-it-yourself home staging:
Think safety first
Not only do safety hazards on your property make it unappealing to potential buyers, but you may be liable if a prospective homebuyer becomes injured on your property. As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to protect visitors to your property, so inspect for hazards and take steps to correct or contain them.
Clean and declutter
A dirty, messy house will not make a positive impression on potential buyers. Cleaning and decluttering your living space is a fundamental step in staging your home, and it is relatively inexpensive as well. This also applies to the exterior areas of your home, especially the front yard.
Make major repairs
While some buyers may search specifically for a house they can fix up, many want a house that is move-in ready. Repairing major issues before listing the home for sale may help your property sell more quickly and for more money.
De-personalize
Remove and store securely any personal items such as family heirlooms or photographs. Not only will this prevent potential buyers from becoming distracted from the house itself, but it will also protect you from the potential theft of your valuables.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.