November 11, 2024
First impressions matter, especially in real estate. Buyers often make snap judgments based on looks, usually starting with the photo. But it continues with the ambiance they feel as they step into your home for the first time. That’s why selling a house is about crafting a welcoming atmosphere where potential buyers envision your home as their future home.
Home staging is a powerful tool that can transform your home into one of many possibilities. Every detail plays a role in making your home irresistible in a competitive market. You create an inviting environment that resonates with buyers through thoughtful decor choices and strategic enhancements. Even better–studies have shown the right staging does boost the sale price anywhere from 1-5%!
So if you want to make more from your home sale and hopefully get off the market quicker, home staging is one tactic to use. Apply these ten essential home staging tips chosen for how they can help any homeowner maximize your sale price while ensuring your cherished space feels welcoming.
Strangers will walk into your home and ask, “Can I live here?” To help them say “yes,” you must let your home’s best features shine. That’s really hard if a lot of “stuff” is in the way.
That’s why we recommend decluttering and depersonalizing your living spaces. It's not just about making your home look neat. It allows potential customers to see themselves cooking in the kitchen or hosting friends for a game night.
Feeling overwhelmed as you look around? A few tips to get started:
Decluttering: Focus on the main living areas first–living rooms and kitchens. The first goal is to clear off any countertops and declutter shelves. Remove excess items such as old magazines, rarely used appliances and personal collections.
Sort your items into categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Trash. Most importantly, don’t let the items linger in piles around your home. Put anything that’s trash right away in the trash bin. List any for-sale items right away, too. Make that donation run happen fast. Open up the spaces quickly to see what you’re working with.
After the main living areas, move into other high-volume areas like pantries, bedrooms, and home offices. Organize closets and cabinets to show off their space.
Depersonalize: Personal items can distract buyers and hinder them from picturing the house as their future home.
These steps aren’t about erasing your home's personality but showcasing its potential to a broad audience. The goal is to create a backdrop that allows buyers to see themselves in the home and its future. You can still leave the art and design touches that make the space warm and inviting without reflecting a too-personal narrative.
Natural light makes spaces feel larger and more welcoming. To achieve this:
For strategic lighting:
Real estate agents and professional stagers agree that the neutral color palette appeals to the widest range of potential homebuyers. Neutral colors such as beige, tan, white, and light gray are versatile and tend to make rooms appear larger and more luminous. The colors create a blank canvas that lets buyers picture their belongings in the space.
Preferences shift over time. The choices made when you purchased your home might not align with the current market's preferences. For instance, grays were popular in the 2010s, but in the 2020s, it shifted to more earth tones. Real estate professionals have insight into these interior design trends. Ask for guidance on selecting the most appealing color scheme for today's buyers.
As they say in real estate, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Remember that before a prospective buyer steps foot inside, they are making judgments from photos or the street.
Make your home stand out with:
First impressions matter tremendously in the selling process. Increasing curb appeal lures more buyers to come see the home in person and fall in love at first sight.
Each room in your home needs to have a focus. This is a critical step in the staging process. The design follows the function.
For instance, stage the living room as a welcoming and comfortable gathering space. A guest bedroom must be set up to showcase its best use for visitors or as a home office. The dining area suggests an inviting area for family meals and holiday celebrations.
Each room's purpose should be evident and inviting. Here’s how to define the purpose of the key areas:
Remember, a well-defined space resonates with the buyer’s sense of belonging. It can be the defining factor in the selling process.
When staging your home to sell, use the furniture arrangement to create an inviting space. Remember, the goal is to highlight the strengths of your home. Furniture arrangements influence the sense of flow and spaciousness.
Remember, the fewer items in a room, the larger it will seem. Go for a minimalist approach. Let each piece of furniture contribute to a harmonious flow.
Incorporate Attractive Accessories and Décor
Transforming your home into a buyer's dream rests on the small details that evoke an emotional connection. The accessories and décor play a vital role. A few tricks to upping the game when home staging:
Remember, the goal is to create a universally appealing environment that suggests the lifestyle they aspire to. Keep it stylish yet minimal.
When preparing your home for the market, cleanliness shows your home has been loved and well taken care of. Decluttering is just the beginning. Take additional measures starting at home staging and keep it through the contract process:
Attention to cleanliness resonates with buyers. A well-maintained property leaves a lasting impression and potentially drives up the value of your home.
Focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms can be highly advantageous when preparing your home to hit the market. These areas are critical in the eyes of potential home buyers. Kitchens often influence their purchase decision.
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Remember, the kitchen and bathrooms are pivotal during sales. Keep them extra clean as you work through home staging and home showings.
Investing in professional photography is a game-changer for home staging and selling. Despite the leaps in technology affording us high-quality cameras on our mobile phones, properties showcased through professional photos consistently sell faster and for better prices.
Here's why professional imagery makes a difference:
Types of Professional Photos to Consider:
Discuss the specific needs of your property with your listing real estate agent. Properties benefit from different photography styles to maximize the appeal of your home.
Next steps to getting the best price for your home
Starting early can be a game-changer when preparing to sell. As a homeowner, it's understandable that your property means much to you. Approach the selling process methodically, and let professional real estate agents and stagers guide you through each step.
Prepare to maximize your home’s value through:
Remember, the changes you make now can potentially increase your home’s value and reduce the time to contract. Finding common ground with buyers begins with seeing your home at its best. Let home staging light the way to a successful home sale.
About the Author: Preston Guyton is the founder of ez Home Search. He has been a real estate leader for over 20 years. Starting with a focus in South Carolina, he has helped coach and empower real estate professionals to achieve their full potential by meeting the needs of their local community.
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