I’ve said it before, but it is worth repeating: if you are selling your home, you need to get it ready to sell.  This involves the basics such as deep cleaning, de-cluttering, repairing and painting, but you will also need to invest some money to make sure your home is updated. 

Light fixtures need to be current and worn furniture recovered or replaced.  Do not neglect the added touches that make a house a home – decorative pillows, luxurious throws, warm candle lighting, fresh towels, plush bedding and fresh flowers.

So where do I go for these items that won’t break the bank for my clients? 

First stop, HomeGoods®

The first place I always go when looking for new linens, bedding, pillows, throws and decorative accessories is HomeGoods®.  Sometimes it is my last stop, too.  Because they are getting new inventory in constantly, it can be hit and miss on certain items, but they typically have a fabulous selection on vases, pillows, art work, lamps and mirrors.  They also carry a small selection of furniture (chairs, tables, etc.).  What can be hit and miss are towels, throws and bedding.  It is definitely worth a trip though because for the quality, the prices can’t be beat.

Pillows Galore!

JCPenney® is hands down my favorite place to pick up new pillows.  They have a great selection of colors and materials and I would say 9 times out of 10, they are on sale.  Other items I have shopped for here include towels, bedding and window panels because they offer a good selection and decent prices.  Some of the larger stores also have small furniture show rooms.

Why Michael’s®?

Why? Reason #1: they have a phenomenal selection of baskets that are both decorative and useful for storage. Reason #2: they have a nice selection of white and cream candles and tea lights.  Michael’s®  also stocks a large selection of artwork, frames and vases.  Although I prefer living plants and trees, there are times where silk plants are useful.  Michael’s® does carry a small selection of Ficus and other types of trees and plants.  Plants and greenery help to warm up a home, and silks are absolutely required in a vacant home.

The Big Red Bullseye

 Where would our lives be without Target®?  I bet I go there a minimum of once a week to pick up this or that.  I have to say that Target® has upped the ante in the home décor and storage arena.  Not only do their stores carry a nice selection of bedding, towels, bath accessories, candles, storage bins and baskets, lighting, pillows and furniture, but online you can find many, many more options.

There may be some home stagers who don’t agree with me, but I am a firm believer that you do not have to spend a ton of money to make your house look nice.  Keep in mind, it is being staged to sell, so it needs to look crisp and updated.  The purpose is for a potential buyer to want to live in the home and be able to envision themselves there.  This requires the home have a sense of warmth and be visually appealing.