Decorating Do’s and Don’ts for Home Sellers
From the article, 2006 Decorating Do’s and Don’ts for Home Sellers by Mark Nash, here are a few “home runs and strike-outs” for those looking to sell their home in the next year.
Do’s
(1) Purchase the best quality carpet pad which can make any new carpeting “cushy”, and home buyers love cushy. Stay away from shag styles, buyers know it won’t be around long in style cycles.
(2) Forget parquet and veneered wood flooring. Parquet is still out-of-favor and buyers are aware that thin wood veneer over wood products can’t handle many sanding’s to change stain colors.
(3) Take the time to paint walls, trim and ceilings. Keep adjoining rooms in the same color palette which will make your home appear larger and flow better. Clean up spills from messy painters. Hire professionals to paint mullions on windows and staircase spindles.
(4) Slipcover mismatched furniture in a room that requires visual unification.
(5) Streamline window fashions. Heavy drapes are in the minority. Think “let the light shine in” when placing placing blinds and shades. Light and bright can overcome other issues with home.
(6) Test all door and cabinet knobs. Replace mis-matched or inexpensive hardware for a quick update. Buyers rarely can get beyond a knob that comes off in their hand as they attempt to use a door.
(7) Consider the appropriate level for finishes in kitchens and bathrooms. Buyers in a mid-priced neighborhood aren’t looking for high-end finishes.
(8) Clean every surface until it shimmers and shines. Clean can seal a deal. Don’t forget the windows.
(9) Polish and wax hardwood floors to brighten and blend an old finish.
(10) Get rid of family and highly personal photos. Buyers can’t visualize themselves in a home that’s still territorially yours.
Don’ts
(1) Install kitchen cabinets with the drawer fronts stapled on, buyers look for quality dove-tailed construction. -Assume everyone loves stainless steel appliances. Word-of-mouth says the cleaning requirements aren’t for everyone.
(2) Wallpaper. Buyers never have the same taste as decorators. Take it down (carefully) and paint.
(3) Install inexpensive home-center light fixtures and use interior fixtures outside. The right fixtures say quality to buyers.
(4) Block good room and house flow. Ackward furniture placement can make a room feel smaller than it is. Keep in mind that groups of people will be walking through your home together.
-Stain newly refinished floors dark colors. Buyers if they want lighter floors will factor in refinishing costs when presenting an offer.
(5) Forget to remove all dated and dusty sill flowers and plants. Budget for weekly fresh flowers and potted plants while your home is being toured.