There’s much more to preparing a home for sale than just cleaning. Home staging is all about helping potential buyers visualize themselves living in your home. While major aspects like paint and repairs are crucial, furniture arrangement, bedroom layout, and even patio setup can impact how buyers perceive the space. Home stagers utilize proven strategies to present a clean canvas with versatile and customizable designs, fostering a connection between the buyer and the living space.
1.Depersonalize the Home
Odd as it may seem, experts emphasize that removing personal items from your home is the initial step. Family photos, wedding pictures, and children’s artwork can be difficult to take down, but this effort can be rewarding. Prospective buyers need to envision themselves in the space with their belongings, not surrounded by the previous owners’ memories.Casanova also points out, “People are curious and tend to focus on the occupants rather than the house.” During her consultations with clients in the Frederick, Maryland area, she provides guidance on how to direct attention towards the house rather than personal items. “Conceal all prescription items to prevent exposing personal details,” she advises. However, attempting to mask odors is not recommended. “Air fresheners may raise suspicion and make people question if you’re hiding something,” she cautions.
2.Update the Paint
Paint is like an investment,” emphasizes Casanova. Applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior walls is a simple yet effective way to enhance the home’s appeal. Generally, professional paint jobs deliver superior results compared to DIY attempts, especially in intricate areas like molding, outlets, and corners. Buyers can be meticulous, so if you decide to update the paint, ensure it’s done to a high standard.
Additionally, stay informed about current trends before committing to a new paint job. “Gray tones are no longer popular,” notes Casanova. If aiming for a neutral color scheme, opt for contemporary warm neutrals, such as soft whites.
If you’re constrained by time and budget and can’t repaint the entire home, prioritize rooms that would benefit the most from a fresh coat of paint. Key areas include the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. Alternatively, focus on rooms where the paint is old, peeling, or stained. Even finished basements could use a touch-up, particularly if you’re highlighting their square footage to emphasize additional living space.
3.Enhance Room Flow
My top advice is to eliminate any furniture hindering the flow in the room,” advises Watson, who specializes in properties in the Dallas and Atlanta regions. “Furniture that’s oversized for the room or obstructs a doorway should be repositioned or removed. We want buyers to move freely within the room and see the floor. Ultimately, we’re selling real estate, not furniture.”
Watson emphasizes the importance of giving each room a clear purpose, allowing buyers to visualize their own furniture in the space. Strategically placing furniture along the walls can open up the living space, helping buyers envision how it would feel with their furnishings. A professional home stager can guide you on whether storing your furniture and temporarily renting simpler, sleeker items for showcasing is the best approach before the sale.
4.Incorporate White Towels
Accent pieces and neutral decor are budget-friendly additions that significantly appeal to potential buyers. Watson highlights, “White towels in the bathroom are essential! Kitchens and bathrooms are key selling points, and the more spa-like the bathrooms feel, the more attractive they are to potential buyers.” Rolling towels in baskets, displaying them on counters, or draping them across the tub can impart a luxurious ambiance to the bathroom. The towels don’t need designer labels; they simply need to be crisp and plush. This small touch exudes luxury, and luxury has a selling power of its own.
5.Opt for Warm Lighting
Lighting holds significant sway with potential buyers. Whether it’s the natural illumination from windows or the glow emanating from light fixtures, buyers are invariably curious about the home’s lighting situation. Address this aspect proactively by focusing on lighting from the get-go. Casanova advises, “Avoid ‘Daylight’ bulbs. They emit a cold tone, creating a sterile feel in rooms.”
6.Declutter to 60% Capacity
If you’re residing in the house while it’s being showcased, it can pose a challenge. Storing personal items in closets, cupboards, and pantries is essential, as buyers tend to inspect these areas. Alongside transitioning to lidded hampers and drawer-equipped storage bins, Watson suggests a vital guideline. “Ensure that all closets, including coat closets, are at 60 percent capacity and 40 percent empty, demonstrating to buyers that there’s ample space for their belongings,” she advises.
7.Enhance Curb Appeal
Last but certainly not least is curb appeal. Ensuring that the exterior is as attractive and captivating as the interior is essential when aiming to captivate potential buyers. A home’s exterior is invariably a prospective buyer’s initial impression, underscoring the importance of immaculate lawn care practices such as weeding, mowing, and window cleaning.
For a quick and cost-effective means to elevate your home’s exterior, Casanova suggests revitalizing the gardens with black mulch and giving the front door a fresh coat of paint. These easy steps can make a significant difference. If any fencing or hedging needs an update, this is the opportune moment. These seemingly small details accumulate in the eyes of potential home buyers, envisioning the pride they’ll feel when hosting their first housewarming and a lifetime of gatherings for family and friends.