May 22, 2019
Your house only gets one chance to make a good first impression on homebuyers. Staging your property can help make sure that happens! The staging tips that follow will be instrumental in selling your home faster and for more money, whether you hire a staging company or do the staging yourself.
1). Increase Curb Appeal
Staging starts with curb appeal. From the second a potential buyer parks his/her car, you want him/her to be able to envision a life in your
home. Make sure that your lawn is cut, your landscaping is manicured, and your mailbox is in good condition. Also, consider the quality of your front door. An entrance door that has character tends to enhance curb appeal. Additionally, power washing the siding or stucco on the front of your home increases the aesthetic.
2). Interior Tips
Inside your home, you want to create a clean and welcoming space. During the staging process, give your home an extensive cleaning from top to bottom. Be conscious of any odors from pets or garbage cans. Since some buyers may not be “animal people”, it is recommended to hide as much evidence of a pet as possible. Staging doubles as an opportunity to declutter, which often makes rooms look neater and larger. Buyers love storage, so create the illusion of more space by cleaning out closets and cabinets.
3). Don’t Over Personalize
In terms of design, try to maintain a balance between personal decorative touches and generic decorative touches. A few family mementos are okay here and there, but remember that you are trying to appeal to the masses. The walls of a hallway are often left bare, so consider adding a mirror or piece of art to keep a “homey” flow throughout.
4). Kitchen & Bedroom Tips
Two rooms to pay extra attention to while staging are the master bedroom and the kitchen. In the master bedroom, be cognizant of paint colors and the design of the bed’s comforter. A gender-neutral design scheme in the master is recommended. In regards to the kitchen, try to portray an inviting but sleek space. Buyers give special attention to kitchen appliances, so do your best to have them looking as new as possible. Try to keep items such as party invitations, child’s artwork, and magnets on the fridge to a minimum. Similarly, keep countertops and kitchen chairs as empty as possible. However, a simple centerpiece on an island or kitchen table is a nice feature.
5). Colors, Lighting, and Furniture
Each room should have a clear purpose. Rearranging furniture can be beneficial, especially in the living room, where creating a conversation area is important. Neutral paint colors should not be limited to just the master bedroom. Neutral colors throughout the home can make rooms feel larger and resonate with more buyers. Another method to create the perception of a larger room is lighting. Lighting can be enhanced by changing light bulbs, or by opening blinds and curtains during a showing.
6). Outdoor Tips
Outdoor living space can be staged as well. Highlight the extra space of your deck or patio by utilizing an appropriately sized set of table and chairs. If you have a garden or pool, make sure it is tended to and does not look neglected. Similar to the front of your home, make sure that the backyard lawn and landscaping are well maintained.
Summary
Staging your home is a proven tactic to get it off the market quicker. Although it may take some elbow grease to stage a home on your own, it is worth your while to leave buyers with a noteworthy impression. Remember, real estate is a word-of-mouth business, so do your best to create a positive buzz about your property!