Ready to tackle the Living Room? Then, let’s go!
OK, we’re headed for the room most often used for “hanging out” – where you’d often watch television, enjoy a fire, or maybe leaf through a good magazine. I realize in some cases, this could be your formal Living Room – that’s OK. You might refer to it as the Great Room or the Family Room – that’s OK, too.
GOAL: To make the space comfortable and inviting.
So, gather these cleaning supplies and products and follow me to the Living Room:
> Swiffer (for hardwood floors) > Old English > Microfiber Dust Cloth > Rag > Old English Scratch Remover (conceals scratched or worn wood, comes in light or dark wood tones) > Feather Duster > Telescoping Duster > Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (removes scuffs on walls and doors – be careful not to “overdo”) > Soot Eraser Sponge (good for soot on fireplace bricks) > Scrubbing Bubbles (try cleaning the fireplace brick fronts using warm water and a small brush) > Woolite (for minor stains, try a mild solution of Woolite and water, along with a damp cloth. Test a small area first before attempting to remove the stain.) > Kidd Kutter (removes grease, oil, tar and wax) > Goo Gone (for gooey, sticky, gummy and greasy cleaning problems. Removes chewing gum, grease, tar, stickers, labels, tape residue, oil, blood, lipstick and mascara, shoe polish, crayon, and bumper stickers. And, works on carpets, upholstery, clothing, wood, and cement.) > Gonzo Odor Eliminator (Absorbs smoke odors, eliminates musty odors caused by mold and mildew, and, helps with pet odors, too! All-natural, odorless, non-toxic volcanic crystals are environmentally safe for pets.)
CLEAN:
> Floors > Walls > Trim > Baseboards > Wood Paneling > Ceilings (knock down any cob webs) > Door (both sides) > Door Jambs > Air Returns > Floor Vents > Windows (inside and out) > Screens > Window Sills > Window Treatments (consider removing them altogether; or washing and ironing before putting them back up) > Mini-Blinds/Blinds > Shelves/Built-ins > Cabinets > Closets (inside and out) > Upholstery and Leather > Tables > Ceiling Fans
ACTION ITEMS:
Complete any outstanding projects (improvement projects).
Wood Paneling? Consider removing it or painting it. Why? Paneled walls always come across as outdated. Options: Remove, repair and paint walls. Paint a soft (universal) color; keeping trim white. Remove the trim and put up bead-board (wainscoting) over the existing paneling; then, install trim (white).
Patch all holes and cracks in the walls.
Paint walls a neutral color. Avoid white for the walls. Instead, choose a soft (universal) color. Recommendation: Benjamin Moore’s Richmond Bisque.
Touch up any wood trim. Trim, ceilings and doors should be white. Using the same trim color throughout the home is preferable.
Wash all windows (inside and out, as applicable). Clean all screens (repair or replace, as necessary).
Hardwood flooring is always a coveted feature for Buyers. Make them look their best; for quick touch-ups, use Quick Shine with a wet Swiffer. If they need refinishing, you should do so.
Carpeting needs to be in good condition. Replace old, worn or stained carpeting. New carpeting gives the Buyer the impression of “a well-cared home.” Carpeting should be the same neutral color throughout the home. Even if the carpeting is in good condition; but, is an undesirable color, it needs to be replaced. Strong or outdated colors such as mauve, red, burgundy, dark blue, teal, black, pink, etc. should be replaced with a neutral color.
Remove excess furniture. Make sure traffic flow is unobstructed, allowing the Buyer to walk into the room, around the furniture, and exit any door leading to the outside.
Clear coffee and end tables of all items except a lamp and small decor item.
Are you a collector? That’s great! Pack your pieces carefully, we don’t want anything to happen to them in the move – they are going to look great in your new home! ;)
Purge, then organize, all newspapers, magazines and toys; put into individual baskets.
If family photos will be used; confine them to one area (either on a sofa table, bookcase or shelf. Do not place family photos on the mantle.
Place a large mirror or print on the mantle with a grouping of pillar candles (three) of varying heights and sizes.
Mini-blinds should be kept in the “down and open” position.
Avoid placing furniture on an angle. In most cases it is best to place furniture flush against the wall; as angled furniture appears to minimize square footage. Remember, you are selling square footage – so, we want to maximize the look and feel of “space.”
Replace any burned-out light bulbs. Keep extra ones (of each type) on hand.
PROPS YOU MIGHT USE:
> Sofa > Loveseat > Sofa Table > Upholstered Chair > Coffee Table > End/Side Table > Table Lamps > Floor (or Reading) Lamp > Television > Greenery (Ivy, Geraniums, and Orchids are a few to consider) > Grasses/Reeds > Mirror > Art/Framed prints > Fresh pillar candles (varying in height) > Accent Pillows and Throws > Hardbound Books > Picture Books > Magazines > Reading Glasses > Sculptures > Sea shells > Wicker baskets (for functionality, as well as, staging purposes) > Game Boards
Depending upon the size of the room, an area rug might be used to connect the main furniture pieces.
RESULT: A bright, cozy living space.
NOTEWORTHY:
New carpeting does not need to be expensive. Placing a 9-lb. (or better) carpet pad under the carpet can give the look and feel of a more expensive product. There are many carpet retailers that offer financing options; some allowing deferred payment.
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