If you’re trying to sell a house, I’m sure you want to sell it as quickly as possible at a good price.  Of course advertising helps but staging helps ensure success.

So here are my 5 keys to profitability when staging a home for resale.

1.  Curb Appeal – Stand at the curb and turn a critical eye towards the house.  Do you have a clear view of the front door? Does it welcome you with a nice pot of flowers or attractive wreath?  Do the landscape beds have fresh mulch and is the lawn edged? (For a complete list of curb appeal tips, go to http://karenmills.net/blog/?page_id=9 and scroll to the bottom of the page.)

Interior Design by Karen Mills

2.Entry – Greet buyers with the same ambiance you would find in a nice restaurant.  One of my favorite ways to add ambiance?  Bring the best piece of furniture possible to the entry.  Then add a table lamp on top, a piece of artwork or mirror overhead, along with a nice entry rug at the door.

. Living Spaces -  Focus your attention on living areas that you can see from the front door to enhance your first impression.  Start by giving the home CPR (cleaning, purging, repairing) so it appears clean and well maintained.  Freshen the walls with paint, if needed, and place furniture in intimate groupings facing your focal point.

Staging by Karen Mills

4.Kitchen - Freshen up your kitchen by clearing off countertops and refrigerator, adding back only the coffee maker and a couple of large accessories for color.  Place vanilla extract on your light bulb to give the kitchen a just baked smell and ensure your oven is sparkling clean.  Plus replace outdated light fixtures and cabinet pulls.

5. Master Suite – Create a warm inviting space with attractive bedding, a headboard, artwork overhead and a comfortable chair for seating.  Add fresh towels to your bathroom, make sure the floors are clutter free and the closets feel spacious.

Of course you can incorporate these ideas when decorating your own home, call a home stager like myself for additional help, or attend one of my upcoming State of Kansas CE accredited staging courses that I will be teaching here in Kansas City later this year.

For more great tips on home staging for resale in Kansas City including the 3 Must Dos for Selling Online, go to http://karenmills.net/blog/?page_id=9

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