Dealing With The Weeds

Spring is here, a reminder of longer days and warmer temperatures to come. It seems to have appeared instantly like the magician‘s hat produces a rabbit. I also think the same magician (mean spirited no doubt) waved his wand to quickly grow the bizillion weeds that have suddenly appeared all over our yard.  Did it really happen overnight? Where have I been? Truly wrapped up in my daily life as to ignore my surroundings?


Yep, I know I’ll have to take head on the challenges of putting my yard in order to bring it back to its tranquil beauty. There will be weed pulling, fertilizers to feed, edging, mowing, planting of new, and upkeep throughout the next few seasons until Winter settles in and I can ignore things again.

It’s much like this for seller’s who find themselves facing years of accumulation (weeds) and suddenly having to dig in and dispose of unwanted clutter to uncover the great features (landscape) of their home before selling. As a stager, I remind my clients that clearing the weeds brings forth the fruits of their labor, a thriving landscape of beauty that will attract the buyers. Once the home is sold they can move on and settle into their new home for a long Winter’s nap.

The Case For Home Staging

Because it's most likely been years since you've had to deal with buying or selling a house you need to know that the market is different today. Recently a Realtor friend and I were discussing the issues seller's face today and she mentioned with the current inventory (12 months) of homes for sale, it is absolutely necessary to invest and stage a home just to get the asking price. If the home doesn't present well it will sit on the market for a very long time, draining valuable time and money for both the homeowner and Realtor. The end result is typically a sale way below asking price.


Yet there are those who argue about how home staging is just a way to get home owners to spend more money that they can't recoup in a down market. How much would you spend to decrease your time on market by 78% (HomeGain)?

The mindset of letting the new home owner change it the way they want it won't fly if you're serious about selling sooner than later. Staging is NOT the complete gutting of your property nor an interior décor overhaul. It's more likely about a few upgrades, paint and depersonalizing. And if a property is move in ready a potential buyer will be more motivated into action knowing they can immediately settle in and make taste specific changes as they go. Staged properties are considered better maintained and move in ready (NAR) but if you are willing to reduce your price drastically, stay on the market a significantly longer time and increase your carrying costs then go with waiting it out for that homeowner with vision. Otherwise, hire a professional home stager to help you prepare and present your home with guidance in where to spend your dollars to receive the best ROI.

Painting Your Way to Profits

Painting your home before you put it on the market is one of the cheapest ways to get the highest possible price for your property.


For interiors, don't use the same color for the entire house - white walls are dull and boring. Use soft muted colors, they can still be neutral while greatly improving the look and feel of each room. In addition these colors show off typical white architectural millwork like baseboard, fireplace mantels, and window trim.

If you have a bold personal colored accent wall, walls, or a very personalized mural, consider painting over them. Buyers can better envision their belongings in a more neutral space and “freshly” painted is just another value to them. They won’t have to repaint upon immediately moving in.

If you absolutely cannot paint your white walls, draw some color through accessories such as artwork, pillows, throws, and candles. These will at the very least add some life to the room.