Whether you plan to put your home on the market in the immediate future or sometime down the road, it is important to learn the value of staging.
When putting your home on the market, you will want it to appeal to a wide range of buyers. You will want to avoid very taste-specific décor, bright colors, and personal items.
Staging a home to sell is extremely important if you want to get the greatest profit possible When done correctly, it can help potential buyers visualize themselves living there. You want to present a home with a sense of peace and calm. One they want to linger in! Source: Moving.com
Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your home:
1. Declutter: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter to create a clean, spacious look. If the home is cluttered, it may send buyers the message that space is limited. It is important that buyers focus on the beauty of the home, rather than getting distracted looking at your furniture and personal items.
2. Neutralize: Paint walls in neutral colors to appeal to a wider range of buyers. When selecting your neutral, take into consideration the surfaces you aren’t going to change, i.e. floors, countertops, tile, etc.
Oftentimes homeowners say they will let the future buyers select the color that they want. Keep in mind, everyone is busy. Most buyers don’t want projects. They want “move in ready”.
I would love to help you select the right color the first time. With a “Master Color Consultant” certification, I will bring color samples that we can look at in your home, with your lighting and fixtures.
3. Rearrange Furniture: Arrange furniture to highlight the home’s best features, like a cozy seating area by the fireplace. Use a beautiful view or key feature as the focal point.
a clean home is essential when listing
4. Depersonalize: Pack away family photos and personal items to help buyers envision their own belongings in the space. Personal items can be distracting and may remind buyers that they are in someone else’s home.
5. Clean and Repair: Ensure the home is spotless and fix any visible issues, like leaky faucets or scuffed walls. This is the time to clean baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, everything! A fresh coat is always better than a touch-up. Paint can fade over time and touch-ups often don’t blend in.
“Home staging used to be optional. Today, it’s a necessity in selling a house.”
-Barbara Corcoran
6. Curb Appeal: Enhance the home’s exterior with landscaping, fresh paint, or a new front door. There is only one chance to make a good first impression. A new doormat, along with an entryway free of cobwebs and dirt are essential! Here are some great curb appeal tips from Homelight
7. Lighting: Use natural light and add lamps for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Open or remove curtains and blinds to let in the most natural light. Be sure all light bulbs are working, and use LED soft, white bulbs for the best indoor light.
8. Storage Solutions: Organize closets and storage areas to showcase available space. Be sure closets and drawers are not stuffed full. If possible, keep the floors in closets empty. It is important to show that there is adequate storage space. It is a good idea to “prepack” anything you won’t be using in the near future, such as “off” season clothing.
well organized spaces are important in staging
9. Art and Decor: Choose tasteful art and decor that complements the home’s style without overwhelming it. Less is more. Be sure artwork is not hung too high. The center of the piece should be 62 inches from the floor.
10. Fresh Flowers and Plants: Place fresh flowers or greenery throughout the home for a touch of freshness. Be sure all plants are healthy. If they are not, remove them. You may consider using good quality artificial plants to bring a touch of the outdoors in.
11. Show the function of spaces: Create a cozy reading nook, or stage a home office to show how a space can function. Redfin has some great ideas on how to stage a house, here!
12. Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional stager for expert guidance. There are many tasks to do when preparing for a move. About 75% of sellers see a return on investment of 5-15% over the asking price when they choose to professionally stage their homes before they put them up for sale.
Looking for additional help?
I offer a 1-2 hour staging consultation for those living in their homes during the selling process. We walk through the home together, including the yard, garage, and storage areas. I offer suggestions as we go, followed up by a written report. I can also assist with the actual staging, if help is preferred. Click here to get started!
Remember, the goal is to create a neutral, appealing environment that allows potential buyers to see themselves living in the home.
Happy staging!
Recent Comments