Closet Makeover Tips

by Debra Rosser of Staging Matters
It is very likely that serious buyers will look in closets and open cabinet doors. The closets that look organized, clean and spacious make a great impression. Here are 6 things you should do to get a closet ready for viewers.

1. Remove about 1/2 of the clothes. If the closet is packed with clothes a buyer may think there isn't enough storage. Pack up clothes you don't need and get them to out of sight.

2. Clear the floors. The floor of your closet should be empty. Get things off the floor and then vacuum the carpet in the closet.

3. If possible use only one type of hanger. You can pick flocked, plastic, wood or wire but if you only use one kind it will add to the organized feel.
4. Get all dirty clothes out of sight. This isn't the time for people to see your dirty....socks. Get a basket with a lid and keep your hamper covered.
5. Keep the closet smelling fresh. Do laundry more frequently so dirty clothes don't give the closet a "smell". Add a box of baking soda to absorb odors, add some kind of room deodorizer and air out your closets.
6. Use baskets to store things on shelves and remember that the shelves shouldn't look "stuffed". Be sure about 1/3 of the shelves are empty.

Closets can convey to a buyer that a home is well maintained and cared for; that the owners are organized and therefore have probably taken care of the house. Getting the closets in order puts you closer to a sale and will make packing easier in the end.

New Preferred Realtor Program

Staging Matters has a new Realtor Program for preferred Realtors.  To get more information about this program please contact us at 469-322-9113 or by emailing debra@thestagingmatters.com.  Join this list today!  The Staging Matters.

Carpet in the Bathroom???

Question of the Week - answered by Debra from Staging Matters

How do buyers feel about carpet in the bathroom? Does a seller really need to change this out before putting their house on the market?

Old carpet in the bathroom is not going to do you any favors when your home is on the market. Most buyers see a project like this and really overestimate what it will take to fix it. A buyer may deduct $5000 from the asking price just to fix this and you could easily change it out for about $2/square foot. So by spending no more than a few hundred you would essentially make $4800. It is also important to know that in this buyer's market getting your house as close to "move in ready" as possible will speed up the sale of your home. To maximize your profitability research your Realtor and your Home Stager. You won't have to upgrade everything to get the most money for your house but a good Home Stager can really find a lot of hidden money in your property and most of our suggestions won't cost you a thing. The investment in a Home Stager is small and following their suggestions can easily can make you $10,000 or more. Professional Home Staging is always much cheaper than your first price adjustment!!!