RE/MAX Realtor Sue Conlon Shares Her Best Tips to Stage a Home

Setting the right stage for selling a home is an essential aspect of a fast sale, especially in summer when buyers are out in droves and rushing to find the right home due to relocating or setting up house before the beginning of the next school year. 

“If your home is not ready for a showing, whether it’s because the yard is in disarray, the house is cluttered or because you have not made necessary repairs, the once-potential buyer will likely move on to the next house for sale, leaving yours to languish on the market,” said Conlon, a staging expert. 

To ensure a quick sale for the seller, Conlon, who has almost 20 years of experience, shares the following five essential staging tips:

No. 1: Maintain curb appeal. “The outside of the house is just as important as the inside, as it is the first thing a prospective buyer will see,” said Conlon. “An overgrown, disheveled front yard might inspire a potential buyer to keep driving. When showing your house, always keep the lawn and bushes manicured and plant flowers (either in the ground or simply in a flower pot) to give a pop of color. 

No. 2: Clean, freshen up and declutter. The most important thing you can do is clean thoroughly and remove any odors. Ask a friend to make you aware of any off-putting smells that you may have come accustomed to. Based on that, carpet cleaning and deodorizing may be in order, along with running an air purifier if the odors are persistent. Next, deep clean. “You want to be sure there are no cobwebs anywhere and the windows and windowsills are clean. Also, adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls can really make a room look bright and new,” noted Conlon. “Finally, remove excess knick knacks or collections. Clear the kitchen and bathroom counters so that only the bare essentials are taking up space. Decluttering not only makes the home look spacious, it helps buyers to focus on the house and not the stuff inside it.”  

No. 3: Depersonalize. This includes removing family photos, religious decor and political items. “You should not be able to tell who lives there, and by doing this, it allows the potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home,” stressed Conlon. 

No. 4: Make the home easily accessible for showings. Buyers, especially those ready to make an offer, want to see the home when it is convenient for them. “If your home isn’t available to show, they may move on to another house,” stated Conlon.

No. 5: Get a storage unit. This is beneficial if you have an excessive amount of furniture or other items in the home and don’t want to get rid of it. “By removing unnecessary furniture and knickknacks, this will aid in making the home look bigger. If the plan is to move anyway, move it now and you’ll be that much further ahead,” concluded Conlon. “By the closing date, the seller should be out of the home and it should be cleaned and ready for the new owner.” 

Sue Conlon is renowned for her attention to detail and pursuit of excellence. A Dubuque local, Conlon’s keen insights and expertise allow her to match buyers with the home that best fits their lifestyle. Her creative marketing plans and computer savvy are also key advantages that help her sellers achieve a quick sale for top dollar.

About Sue Conlon, RE/MAX Advantage Realty

Sue Conlon is a Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent specializing in helping people with upgrading or downsizing, including relocation and staging. When you are serious about buying or selling in the Dubuque area, you deserve to work with a professional who is committed to hard work and takes a meticulous approach to customer service. Sue Conlon knows when it comes to making the most of your real estate opportunities, It’s All in the Details. For more information, please call  (563) 599-8195 or visit https://www.sueconlon.com/. 

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