How to Stage Your Maui Home for a Quick Sale

The more appealing your home looks to prospective buyers, the less you will usually have to wait before it sells. Having your home on the market for long periods can be tiresome as people sometimes want to come to view the house at inconvenient times, and these visits can be disrupting to family life if you still occupy it. Here are some tips about how to make your home more appealing. You have two options: 1) hire a stager or 2) stage it yourself.

We'll start with number one. Many realtors showing a house include a proffessional stager in the selling package. Sometimes a realtor will find it awkward to have to point out to the home owner that the house needs work, as sellers can be sensitive about the way they've arranged things. In the case where a realtor has not hired a stager, you may want to find one yourself. Make sure they are accredited.

The most important things a stager brings into the equation is objectivity and the interests of the buyer in mind. A stager knows that while you may think your house is set up perfectly, a buyer may not agree. A stager will help bridge the gap to make your home as appealng as possible to the broadest range of potential buyers that they can. The stager is concerned with one primary thought: What would a buyer like to see. The result usually involves transforming the place so that it looks as functional as possible. A buyer wants to look at a home and visualize their own furniture and other belongings there. It is difficult to do this if the current occupants overwhelm the space with their own things. Hiring a stager is an excellent way to deal with this challenge. If you do not want to hire a stager or cannot afford one, consider the following tips.

Unclutter. Only strictly functional items should be visible. This equates to removing most items that may have sentimental value, such as family photos. Replace them with prints or other tasteful decorations. The less personality that items have, the better. If a buyer walks into a home in which most items are themed after cats, will the buyer really see the home, or be curious and distracted by the things in it? On that note, if you have pets, make sure there is no hair anywhere in sight.

Only clothes should be visible in your closet. Everything else should go to storage. Keep the top and bottom clear. In the kitchen, keep everything but your coffeemaker off the counters. Bookcases should be tidy, sparse and posess an ornament here or there. Bathrooms must be shining and clean. Hide all personal items and keep the counters spotlessly clear. Make sure you have an attractive shower curtain and rug for the floor. Take the uncluttering opportunity to get ready for your own move. When your house sells, you will need to pack anyway. This is a good excuse to get a head start.

Light up your home. Many people underestimate the importance of good lighting. Dark corners are not attractive to buyers. You don't want a dank and musty feel. You want a healthy, bright and airy feel. Avoid fluorescent lighting as it is harsh on the eyes. Warm, diffuse lighting is best.

Put extra effort into the entryway, or foyer. This will be the first impression a buyer gets on the quality of the inside of your home. First impressions are extremely important. A new paint job is mandatory. Choose a neutral color, but not one that is too dull. If you want to add color, let candles and throw blankets do the job.

Use your furniture to make the place look cozy, but don't don't put too much in a single room. Walkways should be clear. CD's and DVD collections should be out of sight. The mantle over the fireplace should only have a bouquet of flowers, a clock or piece of artwork.

Don't forget to make your house attractive from the street. Make sure the landscaping is fresh, healthy and well-groomed. If you have a viewing appointment scheduled, consider spritzing a little air freshener throughout the house and playing some soft, ambient music.

Hopefully that is enough to get you started with your home staging challenge. Have a look at the Makawao homes for sale or North shore Maui homes. Remember, you can always perform your own Maui real estate search. If you need any real estate assistance, please email us at info@jimsandersrealty.com or call (808) 579-8255. Mahalo for reading and have a great weekend!