Check The Stairs

That’s right — you’re selling the space in your stairways and hallways, too, so don’t overlook these important corridors when you work to create that critical first impression.

Make sure that buyers have a clear pathway to see the rest of the house. If the furniture is blocking the hallway that leads to the first-floor bedroom, buyers may not want to negotiate around it.

For example, when you put things on the stairs that you want the kids to take up to their rooms, buyers see clutter they need to step over and may not make it to the incredible master suite upstairs. And, really — it may be better that they don’t try than that they slip and fall while picking their way through your stuff.

Address the following important sale preparation points to make sure your stairways are in good order:

Check that the treads (the part of the stairs that you walk on) are in good repair and don’t squeak.
Wall-to-wall carpeting on the stairways needs to be clean all the way to the wall.
A carpet runner that runs up the centre of the stairs should be tacked down securely. Make sure also that the exposed parts of the steps are clean and dust-free.
Depersonalize the space. Many people use stairways to display family photos, but this is the time to take them down and store them away for moving.
Remove dated wallpaper or wallpaper borders.
If the walls haven’t had attention in a while, patch, repair, and touch up the walls, and then repaint with a neutral colour.
Add a large piece of colourful art to the wall at the landing to draw buyers upstairs.
Run your hand along the length of your railings and bannisters. Are they clean and smooth? If not, the subtle message to buyers is that there are other neglected areas of the house, so get out the wood polish and go to town.
Consider updating your bannisters and railings.
Check that the light fixture is clean and on-trend, and dust off the cobwebs. If you have lighting on the stairs, make sure all the bulbs work so they can light the way to the next floor.
Like all the other places in your house, stairways need to be neat and clutter-free. If your family is in the habit of stacking on the stairs whatever needs to be put away upstairs, break it. Keep the stairways picked up while the house is on the market. If you have one of those handy stair shaped baskets that hold mail and other stuff, pack and store the basket (and whatever’s in it).

Hallways Too

Like stairs, hallways get you from one area of the house to the other, so keeping them clean and clutter-free is critical. You also need to consider the following when you stage your house for sale:

Remove the runners or throw rugs in a hallway so buyers can see the flooring.
Pack away family photos, and then patch and repair the holes in the wall. If necessary, paint with a neutral colour.
Check that the baseboards look fresh and clean. If not, a fresh coat of paint works wonders.

Hallways are generally dark, but most have overhead lighting or sconces to light the way to the rest of the house. The lighting needs to be clean and on-trend. Remember to use the highest wattage bulbs that the fixture recommends.