I recently did a staging consultation on a house that was going on the market. My clients were a young couple and they were expanding their family and buying their second home.

Because of their busy schedule they had left many repair and simple mini upgrades undone thinking they would get to them and not sure where to start or what issues to address.

Now because of this competitive market they need to address these” hanging” items right away.

Repairing doors, painting a ceiling stained from an old leak, broken kitchen door hinges.

The older bathroom that had a cracked and damaged counter top and sink.

Anyway you get the idea.

By doing just a couple of things differently they could have enjoyed their home more, spent less money, and they would have avoided a lot of stress.

Many of us know or have an idea when we may want to sell our home. So whether it is moving to a larger home, retiring or relocating, planning ahead is key.

Spend money where and when it makes sense;

  • Call in a design and or staging professional. It’s only needs to be a 1 hour consultation so that you have a good advise and a solid starting point and a style to work with. A designer will advise you how to spend wisely now, let you know expected costs and often has resources to share as well.
  • Look for and build a relationship with a handyman now.  It is especially important if you do not have the time or expertise to handle items as they come up. There are many great people in the profession that are willing to do very small jobs and can fill their schedule with your items. Work with someone who does “time and material”. Keeping your home in good order allows you to live more comfortably now and pays off later with fewer things to do in the midst of buying and moving.
  • Update small things. You do not have to wait for large projects. For example, replace outdated light fixtures (one room at a time is fine), paint one room, touch up baseboards.
  • Plan ahead with an “update” budget and account. Set aside a few dollars just for these types of expenses. Allow for design time, handyman costs, materials, fixtures. Doing some small things incrementally helps avoid sticker shock
  • Schedule. Plan that every month you accomplish tasks that need to be addressed. Stay disciplined. With busy career and family schedules if you are doing some of the projects yourself only plan what you have time for. ie. If you have only one hour Saturday morning only do a small item, change one fixture and feel good about that accomplishment.

Nancy Linebarier
Interior Designer and Stager
Feng Shui Consultant
Habitat Enhancements
Email Me 

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