By Kath Johnson
There are several ways to make your home stand out in the Seattle real estate market. You can start by updating those areas of your place that will enhance property value. Many homes just need a bit of organization to seal the deal.
Consider these five tricks to making your home look uncluttered:
Invest in Storage Solutions 
Organizing your home can be a tough job but removing the clutter can have a considerable impact on the feel of a room. Consider adding storage to each room for easy access. Place throw blankets inside a tufted coffee table or store kids’ items in a toy box or drawer. A shoe storage cupboard near the main entrance will help corral the mess. Use anything you can to hide items for a cleaner look. Remember that potential buyers want to see the home, not your personal belongings.
Clean Up the Yard
There’s a reason so many real estate agents put a lot of emphasis on outdoor spaces: They add excellent curb appeal. If you own a house, all it takes is a dedicated afternoon to mow the lawn, clear away debris, and pull weeds. Trimming overgrown plants is an excellent way to show off the beauty of your landscaping. Mulch the garden beds to add a polished look. Keeping your lawn maintained is a vital part of putting your home on the market.
Use Vertical Space 
Many condo owners forget to use vertical space within their home. Using this space can make a significant difference and is bound to resonate with potential buyers. Install hooks near the entryway for coats, purses and dog leashes. Invest in a pot holder that hangs from the ceiling if your kitchen is low on cabinet space. Hang most of your clothes in the closet so you won’t need those large dressers in the bedroom.
Raise whatever you can up and off the floor. Some people will add feet to couches and furniture to add the illusion of more space. Potential buyers perceive that a room is larger when there is a sightline underneath furniture. Getting everything that you can up and off the floor will showcase all the space.
Rent a Storage Unit 
If the idea of decluttering your home is stressful, rent a storage unit while your home is on the market. This will allow you to move boxes of items away from the abode without the need to throw anything away.
Staging your home is also an essential part of the selling process. Ask your agent for tips and tricks on what furniture to keep within a room. Remember that less really is more when it comes to staging a home. Move any other furniture into storage for safekeeping. Potential buyers want to recognize the function of a room without having to wade through extra clutter. Even if you used a room for a particular hobby, like crafting, consider staging the area as a bedroom to help potential buyers visualize the space.
Add Square Footage Outdoors 
You can add more square footage to your house without ever lifting a hammer. Potential buyers want to see private outdoor areas that they can use to enjoy nature. Staging the outdoor living space can help add livable square footage. These exterior portions of the property can be a patio, porch, deck or backyard. If you live in a condo, consider staging your balcony or terrace to incorporate a few chairs and plants. Even the smallest outdoor living spaces can help increase the chances of a full price offer.
You want new owners to love your home as much as you do. Let them see it in the best possible light.
Kath Johnson is a freelance writer who enjoys home projects and is an enthusiastic landscaper and gardener.