Make Your Home Shine with these Home Staging Tips
When it comes time to sell your home, you want to make sure that you make the best impression on potential buyers. One of the most important steps to prepare for private showings and open houses is to stage your home. By properly staging your home, you'll be able to present your home in the best possible light and create a welcoming atmosphere that will entice buyers. Some of these tips are great for the holidays too! Let's start with those staging tips first.
Curb Appeal Welcome Buyers... and Guests!
Even though home staging is assumed to just be inside your home, it is also essential to pay attention to the exteriors. First impressions go a long way when you want a potential buyer to make an offer...and welcome guests! In the winter, you can boost your home's curb appeal by putting out seasonal decorative pots, wreaths, clearing walkways and increasing lighting. Good lighting is key in dark months! In the spring, adding a fresh coat of paint to your shutters or front door, replacing old house numbers, and cleaning up any flowerbeds/landscaping in your yard. Consider renting a pressure washer to remove dirt from your roof, gutters, and siding.
Remove Clutter
It's going to be easier to clean if you declutter your space first. Homes are most appealing when they appear to have ample floor space and it gives your guests (and buyers) more room to move around. If you have furniture in every corner of your home, it can make the rooms look smaller than they are so keep the chairs for holiday guest and then clean out all the extra stuff after the holidays. Go all out with your décor to feel festive for the season but when it's time to get your house on the market, it's time to simplify. Not only do buyers and guests feel better with less clutter but studies say you will too!
Do a Thorough Clean
When you're about to place your home on the market, it's crucial that you perform extensive cleaning that goes above and beyond your usual routine. Try to remove all signs of dust and dirt throughout your home - pay extra attention to areas that people touch - like handles and light switches. Guests will also feel welcome if the common areas are clean and welcoming. Use natural seasonal scents instead of heavy air fresheners. Consider hiring professional cleaners to take care of this task for you.
Make Repairs Where Necessary
Before listing your home for sale, consider making minor repairs that can boost your home’s appeal. Homes look and feel better when they are in good condition. Replace leaking faucets and fix running toilets. Secure loose handles and railings. Get your fireplace cleaned and tuned up for ambiance. Try to patch small holes and make scratches less visible. Consider adding some fresh paint. A handy tip is to remove scuffs from walls with melamine foam eraser sponges but don't scrub off the paint! Addressing these small damages lets buyers know that you take care of your home and guests will be impressed.
When it comes time to sell, let's do a few more things...
Depersonalize Your Home
Home staging is all about making it possible for potential buyers to see themselves living in your home. To achieve this goal, think of your home as a blank canvas - remove all personal items that tell buyers that the home belongs to someone else. Begin by removing all personal photos, memorabilia, and knick-knacks, including anything on your refrigerator and walls. Remove or swap out any distracting or provocative artwork. Put away all clothing and put away any personal items in your bathroom.
Effective home staging can make the difference between a buyer making an offer and passing you over. Making a little extra effort upfront can go a long way towards getting the best offer for your home.
Ready to make your spring home selling game plan? Beat the rush! Message me today and be the first on my schedule after the holidays!
