Published: 2/18/2010
#10: Reclaimed Yard. First impressions are everything to homebuyers. Spruce up curb appeal by maintaining a clean yard, adding plants for a splash of color and applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
#9: Flourishing Foyer. The entryway sets the tone for the entire home. This space should be up-to-date, well maintained and eye catching from floor to ceiling.
#8: Beware of Beige. Do not let neutral colored walls dominate the mood of a room. Use splashes of color to liven up an otherwise boring space. Add pops of color and personality with throw pillows, artwork and fresh flowers.
#7: Mismatched Kitchen. Consistency is key to a pleasing room. Make sure all countertops and cabinets are alike. New hardware, a new backsplash and a thorough cleaning will transform any kitchen.
#6: Cluttered Dining Room. Decluttering and depersonalizing is the first rule of home staging. Homebuyers may have trouble envisioning themselves living in the home if it is full of family items and knickknacks.
#5: Focal Point Faux-Pas. Highlight the great features in a home by positioning furniture to highlight them. Windows, fireplaces and other architectural details will be noticed by a buyer if they are emphasized in the home correctly.
#4: Patched-up Patio. The outdoor space is an extension of the home. Capture a higher selling price by cleaning and adding style to any outdoor space with furniture, lighting and accessories.
#3: Messy Master Suite. The best approach to staging is often working with existing accessories. Using what is already in the room and repositioning the furniture will highlight the room's best features.
#2: Bathroom Blues. Older vanities and dreadful wallpaper will make any bathroom feel outdated. Apply a fresh coat of neutral-hued paint and new hardware to modernize and brighten.
#1: Hide-and-Seek Bedroom. The value of a space decreases when homebuyers see a room without direction (think part office, part playroom, part home gym). Though almost every homeowner is guilty of having a "junk room," make sure to stage each room with a clear purpose before putting the home on the market.
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