Home staging has become a big industry in the last 10 years. People have realized that when a home looks its absolute best, potential buyers are more likely to purchase at a higher price. The goal of staging is to sell a home quickly and for the most money possible by appealing to as many people as possible.
The Importance of First Impressions when Selling a Home
Never underestimate the power of curb appeal. When buyers first set eyes on the home it should look well taken care of. Clean up the yard, mow the lawn, rake the leaves, etc. Replace dead grass with fresh sod. Trim overgrown hedges and trees. Hide garbage cans and recycling bins in the back. If the front porch is in rough shape, consider repainting and repairing. This is the first thing potential buyers will see and it should look its best. Add some plants or flowers to give it a human touch and keep it from looking dull.
De-Clutter, Minimize Furniture, and Re-Fresh the Interior
Give items space to breathe. Nothing turns potential buyers off more than a cluttered, heavy-looking space. Create seating and conversation areas, and put extra pieces of furniture in storage. The less that’s in the room, the larger it will look, thus appealing to more people. Hide away extra books, magazines, and accessories. Keep things as neutral and impersonal as possible.
Resist the urge to decorate to personal tastes, as they might not be the same as those of people looking to buy. It’s surprising how much of an effect decorating can have. Having said that, there’s no need to redecorate the entire house, but if the walls are dark and dingy, a fresh coat of neutral paint may be worth considering. Remember to open the curtains wide and let in as much light as possible.
Clean and Repair Everything in the Home
Cleanliness implies that a home has been well taken care of. Clean everything! Banish dirt, grime, fingerprints, etc. Pay special attention to the bathrooms and kitchen, as well as any appliances. Wash windows, inside and out. Replace light bulbs and dust lampshades and fixtures.
The entire residence should be spotless. Any small repairs should be taken care of before people come to look at the space. Dripping faucets, loose hinges, and cracked tiles can deter potential buyers. They may seem like small things, but they can knock quite a bit of money off the selling price.
Put Away Personal Items When Staging a Home
When potential buyers walk into a residence they should be able to picture themselves living in it. This is very difficult if the space is filled with the current homeowner’s personal items. Family photos and mementos, religious and cultural items, and any other traces of day-to-day life should be put away. People viewing the home should not feel as though they’re walking through someone else’s space.
Home staging is something that homeowner’s can do themselves, or hire someone else to do. There are plenty of companies out there who specialize in preparing homes for sale. Real estate agents often have someone they use regularly and can recommend. The cost incurred by hiring one of these companies will likely pay off in the end as homes that are properly set up for sale are more likely to sell for a higher price.
