Home Staging: Front Porches Welcome People to Your Home

Often when we talk about home staging we think about de-cluttering living rooms and repainting bedrooms, but staging a home to sell also means taking the time to look at the outside of your home to ensure the property is a shining star.  We know we’re not suppose to judge a book by its cover, but for home buyers a dirty, cluttered yard can prevent them from even wanting to open the front door.  Here are some great tips to think about when getting the front porch ready to bring buyers.

Paint

There is simply no better staging tool than a great paint color and a few hours of elbow grease.  Touching up the trim and the front door can make a big impact.  This is one area where a bright color might actually be a good thing.  Also, take a look at the railings, banisters, and any other trim work. If need be touch those areas up too.

Get to know a Powerwasher

You can rent a professional grade power washer at any home improvement store – and use that sucker to blast off the years of dirt and grime that have built up.  Powerwash stairs, brick, and stonework.

Plants

Plants can be a great addition to a porch – when they are alive and pretty.  Colorful small pots of seasonal flowers are inexpensive and can add just a touch of color.  Also hanging baskets are a great item to welcome people.

Fixtures

Take a good long look at door knobs, house numbers, and the mailbox – if they are showing signs of age or rust repair or replace to make maximum impact.

Nooks and Crannies

Make sure to remove cobwebs and any other grimy items.

Welcome Mat

Get a brand new and neutral welcome mat.  If will encourage people to wipe their feet and it allows them to think about the welcome mat welcoming them home.