When you sell, decorate your home for others By Jamila Robinson ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH HOME EDITOR Saturday, Apr. 07 2007 You're probably seeing tuckpointing, landscaping, painting and general sprucing up of houses around town about now. It is quite possible that owners are getting those homes ready to sell. April is the beginning of the home-buying season. This year, it's a buyers' market with nearly 2,000 more houses listed in the entire metropolitan area than in 2006, says Mid-America Regional Information Systems. According to MARIS data, sellers should expect their property to stay on the market for about 87 days, about 13 days longer than last year. Most sellers make repairs and clear clutter, but a well-presented home that highlights amenities will help create an image that makes a buyer say "I LOVE this house!" Staging, as Realtors call it, "creates a mood and a chemistry," says Iverson Jones, senior vice president for the National Association of Realtors. This service may be provided by a Realtor or consultant. But first, sellers have to eliminate personal items, memorabilia and the kids' soccer trophies. Linda Pohlman, owner of Staging St. Louis in Valles Mines, says: "Buyers have to picture themselves living in the house. You want the house to appeal to as many buyers as possible and that means presenting the house in the best way possible." If you love your house, set it free Once you’ve decided to sell, you have to think of the home as no longer yours. Here are some suggestions for staging: Entry Whether the door opens to a hall, a foyer or right into the living room, the entry will tell buyers what to expect from the rest of the house. The center hall is important, too, says Roy Scott, a New York City Realtor who will be featured on the HGTV program “Bought & Sold.” “The center hallway has to be neutral and in great condition because it can be seen from every room on that floor,” he says. • Entry hall furniture should be simple, with only a table, a mirror and, perhaps, a vase of fresh flowers. • If there is no closet, use a coat rack, a bench or hooks. • Have a pleasant smell, such as baked goods, greet buyers at the door. Living room, dining room The two major rooms in the house should flow together, says Pohlman. But each should have a focal point, such as a fireplace or a built-in hutch. Realtors debate whether rooms should have color or be neutral. “If you have a historic home, you can use color because there are often architectural elements that would stand out regardless,” says Scott. Contemporary homes are a little trickier. “Everything you put into a modern or newly constructed house has to have a purpose.” He suggests neutrals in shades of beige, soft green or yellow. • Have a continuity of color. If you’re using red in the living room and blue in the dining room, have accents that will tie both rooms together. • Living room furniture should invite conversation. • Buyers shouldn’t see the back of a sofa when they walk in. Separate the space with a table that contains plants. • Set dining room tables with china or casual stoneware. • Wall art should be general interest and minimal. • Replace heavy drapes with sheers. Powder rooms and baths Pohlman says buyers love neat bathrooms with a cozy spa-like feel. All chrome and fixtures should be super shiny, with few accessories except for candles or flowers. Bathrooms colors should reflect the style of the house. Sleek, modern homes should have equally sleek baths. • Hang new, fluffy white towels. • Update shower curtains with a cotton waffle-weave or colorful pattern. • Use candles with a clean scent, such as linen. Kitchens John Williams, president-elect of the St. Louis Association of Realtors, says that minor upgrades to lighting and hardware will make a kitchen look richer. If they want to make further improvements, "sellers should pay attention to the walking surfaces and the countertops." The kitchen also should be clean and clear. "Having stuff above the cabinets gives the appearance that you lack storage space," says Pohlman. So, cookie jar collections should go into storage. And "absolutely no magnets, schedules, paintings" or other items posted on the fridge. • Counters should be free of anything that isn't used on a daily basis. Pack away other appliances. • Consider adding higher-end items such as a wine cooler or espresso machine that could attract younger, more affluent buyers. • If the cabinets don't go all the way to the ceiling, Pohlman suggests using minimal decoration such as plants. Bedrooms Sellers should maximize space in bedrooms. "I eliminate as much furniture as possible — even dressers," Pohlman says. With less emphasis on furniture, sellers can accentuate architectural elements such as French doors. • Pohlman suggests using a full-size bed instead of a queen when possible. "Most people don't notice the difference in size." • If one of your bedrooms is used as an office, consider putting in a twin-size bed or daybed as a reminder that the room is still a bedroom. • Make a large bedroom feel more intimate by creating a reading alcove with a small table and chairs.

_____________________________________________________________________ If you enjoy reading about interesting news, you might like the 3 O'Clock Stir from STLtoday.com. Sign up and you'll receive an email with unique stories of the day, every Monday-Friday, at no charge. Sign up at http://newsletters.stltoday.com _____________________________________________________________________

Jamila Robinson