When you are putting a house on the market for sale, you want it to look its best at all times for potential buyers. That’s why staging is so important.
When you stage a home, you decorate it in a way that highlights the home’s best assets in order to impress buyers. Staging a home properly can make a huge difference in how quickly the property sells and how much it sells for. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors,
- “Eighty-three percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.”
- About 25 percent of buyers’ and sellers’ agents said that “staging a home increased the dollar value offered between one and five percent, compared to other similar homes on the market that were not staged.”
Here are some tips to help you put a home’s best foot forward.
Tip No. 1: Declutter the Home
Too much clutter makes it seem like the home has less space than it actually does and it distracts buyers from focusing on the home’s features. To declutter, remove everything that isn’t necessary for everyday life. Clean and clear all surfaces, including counter tops, tables, and floors. Also clean out closets, cabinets, and pantries because buyers will be opening everything to assess storage space in the home.
Tip No. 2: Depersonalize all Surfaces and Rooms
Remember, you are trying to get a buyer to visualize the space as their own. To accomplish this, remove all personal photos on shelves, walls, and the fridge. Also remove personal keepsakes, children’s toys, and any other items that are highly personal to the seller. Keep clothes hidden away as much as possible as well. Anything that can connect the seller instead of the buyer to the home needs to be hidden away.
Tip No. 3: Deep Clean the House
Every part of the house should be cleaned prior to listing it. This includes walls, ceilings, windows, baseboards, floors, drains, toilets, appliances, and anything in between. Everything in the house should shine so potential buyers know that the house has been well-maintained. It should feel and smell clean the second they walk through the door.
Tip No. 4: Rethink the Furniture
The size and arrangement of furniture can impact how buyers see a room. Make sure furniture is the right size for a room, and then move it around so that it creates open spaces and walkways. This enables buyers to visualize their own furniture in the room. Focus on making the space as comfortable and social as possible.
Tip No. 5: Repaint and Refresh
Bright colors are a personal touch and can be off-putting to buyers. If possible, repaint bright walls in neutral colors so buyers see a blank canvas. Consider adding some plants and flowers throughout the home to add a touch of freshness. Also be sure to brighten up the house by turning on all the lights and opening up all the windows. Doing all of these things creates a more welcoming atmosphere for buyers.
Tip No. 6: Don’t Forget the Exterior
Staging the exterior is just as important as the interior staging because it is the first thing the buyer is going to see. Make sure there aren’t any seasonal decorations out; deep clean any porches or common areas; and decorate the exterior with some simple plants or decor to make it warm and welcoming.
Staging a home doesn’t have to be costly. It’s all about doing what you can to emphasize the home’s assets so that it appeals to a wide range of buyers.
