So, your garage door has collapsed onto the jalopy you park in there, your pink house paint is peeling and your lawn looks like a drying cow pasture. But you'll start a new job soon and have to move. You need to shed your homestead, Ned. But short of calling in an air strike, you really don't know how to make it presentable for sale. Tick-tock, and your throat tightens when you realize that, with spring just around the corner, and summer on its heels, some of the traditionally-best "home-selling" months are headed your way. If you want to make use of them, it's time to get your home ready for "selling season."

Well, you need professional help, son, and who better to get it from than an SCV real estate pro, and a "home stager"?

Realtor Larry Wims (Prudential Califonia Realty) knows the ins and outs of SCV real estate well, having been a Valencia resident for 30 years. He also has a good working relationship with local Home Staging Designer Kim Kapellusch of Style My Space. Both Wims and Kapellusch contributed mightily to this article because they both know that the appearance of your home has a tremendous effect on a potential buyer's perception of it. Showing your home at its best includes, of course, fixing up the obvious turn-offs (such as that collapsed garage door), but there are a number of less obvious fix-ups that make a big difference - as well as some "tricks of the trade," so to speak.

Kapellusch explains that, when your home is on the market, it becomes a product for sale and, as with other products for sale, shoppers will be heavily weighing where to invest their hard-earned dollars. As they will be comparing your property with others, it is critical to be objective about anything in your home that they may perceive as a reason not to buy.

Wims said that he always walks through a seller's property with them and asks them to observe things that might strike them in a negative way if they were a potential buyer. "Always keep in mind you do not want to miss one possible buyer that visits your home," he said.

But you'd rather not spend any cash on fix-ups you say? You'll just sell "as is"? Maybe you should re-think that.
In a 2007 survey of more than 2,000 Realtors, agents estimated that staging your home for better presentation yielded a 343 percent return on investment! Sure you can also lower your asking price, instead, but, typically, it is less costly to replace, update or clean the area and present a fresh new space. Buyers are looking for a fresh start and your house needs to offer them that new and bright future.

With insights from Wims and Kapellusch, here are some dramatic changes you can make to your home in five simple steps.

No. 1 Leverage attributes
Kapellusch notes that your property already contains things buyers are willing to pay more money for. These home features need to be showcased to their full potential so buyers can make their best and highest offer. These might include:
* Attractive curb appeal and yard
* Fireplaces
* Windows with views of mountains, water, skyline, nature, cityscapes
* High ceilings
* Spacious rooms that feel luxurious
* Eat-in kitchen bars
* Updated or new features

"Showcase these areas by drawing attention to them with pops of color and a clear line of sight to the area," Kapellusch said.
Curb appeal: Wims notes that "curb appeal," or the overall impression a buyer gets of your home when he or she views it from the street, is your first concern. "Curb appeal and the front entrance are the best places to start," he said. Your yard must be neat. Bushes and trees should be trimmed and colorful flowers in place. "Adding inexpensive fresh mulch and touching up any weathered trim will help with the first impression."

No. 2 Fix reasons not to buy
Kapellusch said you should repair, clean or replace the things that could deter a potential buyer from making an offer, such as:
* Carpet that needs cleaning or replacing
* Outdated fixtures or flooring
* Chipped, scuffed or dark colored paint
* Anything in the home that is dirty or stained
* Deferred maintenance issues

Repairs: Wims said that you should paint or repair anything in your home that is not working properly or looking good. "Carpet cleaning and polishing of floors is important," he said. "Use throw rugs at all entrances so guests can easily wipe their shoes when entering the home from any outside door or the garage."

He said to repair cracks and holes or damage to wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles. Other important areas that deserve your attention, without spending a lot of money, are tubs, showers, appliances, cabinet fronts, tile grout, replacing your furnace filter and cleaning all vents.

Wims added that you might make sure your house smells fresh as well. Remove objectionable odors and you might even utilize scented candles, plug-ins or fresh flowers - but don't over-scent.

No. 3 Light, bright and spacious
Nothing sells faster than an environment that replicates a restful retreat from busy lives. Kapellusch said you can create that feeling in your home by:
* Opening up all window treatments to let in as much light as possible
* Adding plants to bring the "outdoors in"
* Lightening dark areas that have no windows by using lamp lighting - even during a daytime showing
* Showcasing more space by removing excess furniture, anything being stored on the floor and eliminating countertop clutter
Kapellusch said to remember her personal quote, "Expansive feels expensive."
Cheerful: You want potential buyers to get a light, bright, fresh-smelling, cheerful impression when they enter your home, Wims said. "Curtains and drapes should be open and lights should be turned on (replace low-wattage bulbs)," he said. If possible there should be no sign of pets having free run of the home.
"All windows, counters, cabinets and bathrooms should be sparkling clean," Wims said. And you might consider hiring a professional cleaning crew. "Don't forget the garage, closets and attic," he added. "All these areas need to be neat and organized."

No. 4 Depersonalize
Did you know that by removing some of the items in your home you can actually attract more buyers? Kapellusch said you can do this by:
* Removing family photos that remind buyers that they are a visitor in someone else's home rather than envisioning themselves in the space
* Removing personal collections that can make a space feel cluttered and un-relatable to buyers who have different tastes
* Toning down "extreme themes" with a little more of the mainstream to appeal to a broader range of buyers
Remove clutter: Wims said you should remove any clutter, extra furniture, clothing or other items that might be filling your home. "Limit the number of personal items, including photos, that might distract buyers," he added.

No. 5 Designer interior
A designer interior sells 67 percent faster, Kapellusch noted. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Potential buyers are looking to make one of the biggest investments of their lives and they are hoping to find the one gem within their budget that looks and feels as if they paid a fortune. Creating designer touches throughout the home will help you sell for more money. Add touches such as:
* A sophisticated, warm paint palette
If you will be painting anyway, you can create an expensive feeling with the right color paint in a neutral base.
* Creating warm and inviting seating areas that help buyers envision spending time with family and friends
* Using accent colors sparingly and to draw attention to certain features
Too much or too many colors make a space feel cluttered and not pulled together.
* Removing outdated pieces of furniture to create a fresher look to the home
* Updating kitchen and bath areas with simple, inexpensive changes such as new knobs, paint, new flooring, lighting or faucets
Friends and family: Wims offered one final and valuable tip. "Invite your friends and family to visit your home and give you their input," he said. They may point out things you wouldn't have noticed otherwise. "Your Realtor will have suggestions and a local professional home stager may have some input that will help your home sell quickly," he added.
Kapellusch reminded that you can "get paid to stage your home" by increasing your return on investment 343 percent. "If you would like help creating an upscale, designer environment that will appeal to more buyers and sell your home for more money, consider hiring a professional stager," she said. At services starting at just $100, she can help you get the largest return for your home. Call her at (818) 726-6429, www.StyleMySpace.com.
You can reach Realtor Larry Wims at (661) 312-7653 or e-mail him at mailto:312sold@att.net.