In the competitive world of real estate, staging your home can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and securing a swift sale. According to a study done by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes spend 73% less time on the market and can sell for 5-25% more above the listing price.
A well-staged home not only highlights its best features, but also allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space. If you're preparing to sell your home, here are ten expert tips to help you stage it effectively:
1. Declutter & Depersonalize
Before staging your home, start by decluttering every room. Remove personal items such as family photos and memorabilia. Depersonalizing your space allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
2. Make a Good First Impression
The first thing a potential buyer will see is the outside of your house, so be sure to wow them right off the bat.
- Trim unruly hedges and mow the lawn; if it’s winter, then keep the walkways clear of snow
- If possible, plant some fresh flowers or add some potted flowers around the entrance
- Give the front door a fresh coat of paint
- Consider renting a power washer to really clean up walkways, siding, doors, etc. You’d be surprised at how much cleaner your home will look!
3. Focus on the Key Rooms
Buyers are typically interested in a few key rooms in a home: the kitchen, living area, primary bedroom, and bathrooms. If the buyer notices flaws in these rooms, they’ll be internally adding up the costs of having to update them. You can prevent this by:
- Moving unnecessary items out of the rooms
- Fixing or replacing old hardware and fixtures
- Repainting
4. Maximize Space
Create an illusion of space by removing bulky furniture and unnecessary items. Rearrange the furniture to maximize flow and make the rooms feel more spacious. Consider adding some well-placed mirrors to make the area feel bigger.
5. Accessorize Sparingly
Less is more when it comes to accessorizing. Choose a few carefully curated items such as artwork or decorative pillows to add personality to the space. Avoid overcrowding shelves and countertops with knick-knacks.
6. Neutralize Colors
While you may love bold colors, they can be off-putting to potential buyers. Consider repainting walls in neutral tones such as beige or light gray to appeal to a wider audience.
7. Clean, Clean, & Clean Some More
You may not be able to update and stage every single room, but you can clean every single room. Give special attention to areas such as baseboards, underneath furniture, shelves, etc. You can also consider hiring a professional cleaner.
8. Think About Lighting
Lighting can take a drab and dreary space and turn it open and inviting! It may be worth investing in some new bright light bulbs to help brighten up your home. Also consider making use of natural light. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.
9. Highlight Key Features
Showcase the best features of your home. Whether it's a fireplace, hardwood floors, unique architectural features, or a stunning view, arrange furniture to draw attention to these selling points.
10. Create Inviting Outdoor Spaces
If you have outdoor areas such as a patio, deck, or garden, stage them to appeal to buyers. Clean outdoor furniture, add potted plants or flowers, and create cozy seating areas to showcase the potential for outdoor living and entertaining.
By following these expert tips, you can effectively stage your home to attract potential buyers and secure a quick sale. Remember, staging is about creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can make your home stand out in the competitive real estate market.
