Decorating to sell? Less is MORE!!!
June 30, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 3 Comments
Decorating your home to fit your lifestyle, and decorating your home to sell are VERY different! You may have displays of treasured collections, items you have picked up on your travels, or family memorabilia. There are two reasons to pack it all away when you put your home on the market. The first is that your display may be so interesting, that buyers pay more attention to it than your home. I did a consultation at a home that had a border of plates depicting different animals displayed along the top of the living room and dining room walls. I could just imagine the buyer’s focus directed at this collection instead of the features of the home. The second reason is for the safety of your possessions. The only way to guarantee that your belongings don’t get broken or stolen, is to pack them away out of sight.
What is a good rule to follow? Less is more! Do you have photos or artwork hung on every wall? This is a good place to start editing. Blank wall space allows the eye to rest, and makes it easier to take in the surroundings. It will also make a space appear larger. Remove anything hung on a wall, when that wall is less than two feet wide. Place artwork on the larger walls only. For tables, shelves, or other surfaces, stick with the “Rule of 3.” Remove all but three items from each table. For example—a coffee table might have a plant, a decorative bowl, and a large book. This rule works for the kitchen counters, or a fireplace mantle, too.
Remember, buyers will open closets and cabinets, and if everything is filled or overflowing, it will appear that your home does not have enough storage. Remove one third of everything in each closet, kitchen and bathroom cabinet or drawer, and pack them up. Is your garage or basement bulging at the seams? Buyers pay attention to these two areas, also. This would be a good time to clean out what you don’t want to move with you. You’ll be surprised at how much room you will have, and buyers will be impressed with the amount of space.
Getting your home ready to sell takes time and hard work, but when your home sells, you will be glad to have some of the packing already done.
Elaine is the Staging & Interior Re-design expert for the Get Home Denver Team. Her results have been described by many as "Magic!"
Certified as an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist, she has the Tools and Vision to provide our clients with the solutions they need!
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Decorating to sell is definitely different than decorating your home. Buyers are turned off by clutter and too much “stuff”. Simple and tasteful is better.
The “stuff” is the seller’s personality stamped on the property. Removing it allows the buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. You’re so right, simple and tasteful is better!
Great article with lots of important details for sellers to keep in mind. In add the fact that cleaning out and decorating need to extend to the outside of the home your selling as well. First impressions are important. Buyers want to imagine how they can creatively use yard, porch, or patio space as well. Take the time to remove clutter from your yard. If you haven’t already, add colorful flowers in pots or in the garden at the entry of your home. Fresh flowers look and smell beautiful and add an inviting touch.