Original Release: October 15, 2009
(For more information contact Douglas E. Lierle at 303/792-0507)
Staging Homes for the Market Will Help Sellers get Top Dollar
DENVER – If you’re worried about getting a reasonable price for your home when selling in today’s challenging real estate market, there are several things you can do to position the home in a high profile manner. Staging the home in a professional fashion is critical, according to Kathy McBane, a leading real estate professional and head of The Kathy McBane Team at RE/MAX of Cherry Creek. Sellers should also de-clutter, touch up the interior, and enhance street appeal through meticulous landscape maintenance.
“Everyone wants top dollar for their home and staging is a simple and cost-effective way to get the highest price possible,” said McBane. “Homes that are presented in top form net the seller four to five percent more than homes which lack the same attention to detail. I help my clients stage their home for a successful sale.”
According to McBane, cleaning is essential, and it must be thorough. Homeowners should hire a professional cleaning service if necessary and a carpet cleaning service. The home should be “Q-Tip” clean. Owners should also mow the grass, trim bushes, rake leaves, remove cobwebs and sweep porches.
De-cluttering is also important, says McBane. Less is more when it comes to staging. Remove everything but the coffee maker from kitchen countertops and all the items on the front and top of the refrigerator. Also remove knickknacks from every room and keep plants and pictures to a minimum.
“Closets should be removed of seasonal clothes and other stored items in order to make them appear spacious,” said McBane. “Stagers can advise on what to keep and what goes so the buyers can better visualize themselves in the home. Well placed and well chosen furniture is important. If the property is vacant, the owners may want to consider bringing in temporary furniture.”
Other helpful tips include abundant natural light by removing anything that blocks light from windows and doors. Drapes and blinds can be pulled open and windows should be clean. Old screen doors should be removed or replaced, and a fresh coat of paint with tasteful colors will significantly enhance the home’s overall appeal.
“I recommend that sellers create a checklist prior to each showing,” said McBane. “This list can include turning on all lights, opening the drapes and blinds, and simple things such as closing toilet lids and opening interior doors for ease of viewing. In today’s market, every advantage is critical when seeking top dollar. Staging is a proven method of positioning a home above similarly priced homes on the market.”
Kathy McBane earned her real estate license in 1986 and is known for her particular expertise in marketing homes in historic and urban neighborhoods. She is a member of the RE/MAX Platinum Club and has earned the company’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing superior sales production. McBane holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado – Boulder and is a proud supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network.
For more information on real estate services and staging a home, contact Kathy at 303-331-4502 or via email atkathymcbanehomes@gmail.com .
RE/MAX of Cherry Creek is located in the heart of the Cherry Creek neighborhood in the Ptarmigan Building at 3773 Cherry Creek North Drive. The company is approaching 30 years as one of the top-producing real estate firms in metro Denver. The company’s professional real estate brokers boast expertise in all segments of the business and are widely known for their superior customer service and friendly, personalized approach to business. RE/MAX of Cherry Creek was recently recognized as the Top Selling Real Estate Office in Denver by the Real Estate Association of Colorado.
For more information phone 303-320-1556, or visit the leading real estate company online at www.rmcherrycreek.com.