Selling Your Flipped House: Staging is Key

You've sweated for weeks, or perhaps months, and your house flip is finally finished. Now it's time to sell it, and you should put just as much care and effort into this aspect of your flip as you did when selecting materials and subcontractors.

First impressions are important, and when potential buyers guided by your real estate agent walk through the front door, it's important that they immediately get a good feeling about your house. Staging is the term used to describe the process of creating a pleasant ambience for potential buyers. It's a simple process and will dramatically improve your chances of a quick sale.

Put Out a Welcome Mat
Buy an inexpensive welcome mat that says WELCOME, and put it at your front door. You might also put a pot of flowers next to the door.

Rent Furniture
People sometimes have difficulty imagining themselves living in a place that is completely empty. Help them along by furnishing your house, but don't go overboard -- you want your house to appear to be spacious.

Use Flowers and Candles
Flowers are cheerful, and candles are relaxing and romantic. Placing flowers and candles throughout your house will make visitors feel at home.

Play Music
Music is an important, but often overlooked, part of staging. In the background you should have music playing at a low volume. Classical music or soft jazz are good choices.

Bake Cookies
Just before your open house, bake some cookies and let the scent fill your house. Nothing says home like the scent of cookies baking. Put them on a plate on the kitchen counter so guests can help themselves.

Make Sure the Temperature is Comfortable
This is a fact: buyers do not want to sweat when they're viewing houses. It's a big turnoff. If it's hot outside, spend a few pennies and turn the air conditioner on.

Following these simple steps won't cost much but will make a big difference when it's time to sell your flip. Spend the extra money -- you'll be glad you did.