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The 3 C’s of successful home
sales
As an interior decorator, I’m always trying to
learn new things that will help my clients. I read a
lot and attend as many seminars as I can. Since quite
a bit of my business is home staging, I was excited
by the opportunity to attend a presentation by Ann Maurice,
host of BBC America’s The House Doctor. Maurice
has made a name for herself in Britain and the United
States as a very successful interior designer and home
stager. I found myself nodding in agreement at just
about everything she said, and I appreciated her matter-of-fact
style.
For those of you who may not know, home staging involves
preparing a home for sale so that it shows as beautifully
as possible. Home staging is becoming more and more
popular, due in part to television shows such as The
House Doctor and HGTV’s Designed to Sell. It is
true that staged homes tend to sell more quickly and
for a higher price. Staging can include large ticket
items such as remodeling a kitchen or bath, but it also
includes de-cluttering and furniture rearranging. If
you are planning to put your house on the market this
year, I encourage you to start now by taking a long
hard look at your property.
Ann Maurice compared an Open House to a job interview.
Would you appear at a job interview in tattered clothing
and scuffed shoes, the handle on your clutter-filled
purse held on with tape? Would your hair be unwashed
and messy? I don’t think so. The same idea applies
to your home. Before you put in on the market, make
sure the leaky faucet is repaired, the house is clean
and fresh, and clutter is under control.
I liked how Maurice described her “3 C’s”—Clutter,
Color, and Clean. If a buyer sees a lot of clutter on
countertops and in closets, he will feel as if there
is not enough storage space. Excessive clutter can be
an instant turn-off for some buyers. If clutter is a
problem for you, start now by giving it or packing it
away. Personal items such as family photos and awards
need to be packed away. The idea is to create a neutral
environment that allows the buyers to imagine themselves
living in your home.
I am big advocate of gorgeous color on your walls,
but not necessarily for homes on the market. Maurice
says to paint your walls in a nice neutral tone—a
creamy white or tan works well. But do bring color into
the room with accessories and artwork to avoid a stark,
bland space.
Cleaning is an absolute requirement. Maurice says,
“Clean, then clean again.” I tell my staging
clients to clean like they’ve never cleaned before.
This is especially important for windows, kitchens and
baths. They should sparkle. Buyers will look in cabinets
and closets, so cleaning and organizing them is also
a must.
Keeping Ann Maurice’s 3 C’s in mind will
get you well on your way to a home that appeals to buyers.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Feb. 19, 2005.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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