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4 Tips for Staging a Home for an Open House

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

4 Tips for Staging a Home for an Open House, Anchorage, Alaska

Location and curb appeal attract buyers, but the staging makes them fall in love with your home. Effective staging shows off the property’s best features, minimizes any shortcomings, and creates space for potential buyers to imagine living in the house. Before scheduling an open house, follow the tips below to present your home in its best light.

How to Stage Your Home for an Open House

1. Clear Out Your Belongings

open houseRemove at least a third of your belongings from shelves, storage spaces, and closets. Not only will this make the home appear larger and more open, but it’ll also give you a head start on downsizing and packing for the future move.

2. Pay Attention to Lighting

Trim back any bushes or trees that might be blocking the windows. Open the drapes to let in as much natural light as possible. Skip the overhead lights and bring in lamps with high-wattage bulbs, which creates a warmer, cozier atmosphere.

3. Decorate Tastefully

The holidays give you a chance to make the home more inviting and friendly. Some outdoor lights, a wreath on the door, and festive decorations make it easy for buyers to imagine themselves spending the holidays in the house. Just don’t go overboard, and stay away from explicitly religious decorations which could alienate some people.

4. Move Furniture Around

Just because that end table has always been in the living room doesn’t mean it has to stay there. Experiment with different furniture configurations and focus on creating a pleasing flow of traffic. Putting together a few sitting areas in large rooms will make the space feel more comfortable and intimate.

Considering a second home?

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

 

 

Whether you're thinking about buying an investment property for steady cash flow, a vacation home for your family or a temporary home for your college-bound son or daughter, there are a few things you should consider before making the investment:

Local Market -- Both the local resale and rental markets are important factors. Are home prices on the rise, increasing the possibility of a profitable sale in the future? Is the rental market tight, causing average rent prices to go up? You'll want your rental income to be able to cover mortgage costs, taxes and expenses.

Maintenance -- When calculating costs, include routine maintenance and potential repairs. If purchasing a property to rent out, note any requirements and safety obligations for your area. If you're not the handy type or your desired property is far from your primary residence, consider hiring a property management company to handle ongoing maintenance concerns.

Insurance Costs -- Find out if you need additional disaster coverage such as flood or earthquake insurance. In general expect to pay higher insurance costs, especially if you plan on renting out the property.

Financing -- Plan on being subjected to more scrutiny than you were on your primary residence. Banks often require a higher down payment on second homes, and interest rates may be higher as well.

Tax Implications -- Make sure you understand the tax implications of owning a second property. If you plan on renting it out, you'll need to report the rental payments as income. On the other hand, operating expenses, such as insurance, utilities and repairs, may be considered deductions.

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Photo of Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group Real Estate
Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Dynamic Properties
3350 Midtown Place
Anchorage AK 99503
Bethany (907) 223-1632
Bonnie (907) 223-0005