This topic is near and dear to me, as I recently showed a home that had a literal old lady just chilling in the guest room. I was not warned about said human. Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers. Homes sale, on average, for more money and in less time when staged properly. By highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here are some staging strategies for your home you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!
Help them visualize it as their own.
Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple décors, such as paintings, nature images, and plants. Don’t get an ego here, either. Just because you love what you’ve done with the place, doesn’t mean everyone will. Simply based on the numbers, half of humanity has below-average taste (insert wink emoji here).
Think sleek instead of comfy.
Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents. Again, you’re trying to appeal to the masses here, not yourself or your mom.
Don’t forget to clean the small spaces.
It’s obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling. One little thing can end up being a total turnoff to a prospective buyer, so make sure you sweat the small stuff.
Spruce up your landscaping.
The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior – curb appeal and all that. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway. If you need to hop on Craigslist to get rid of that broken down Buick that’s been there for years, so be it.
Set the mood.
A home is so much more than just the way it looks, so you need to appeal to the other senses. Prior to having potential buyers over, set the mood by burning delicious smelling candles and selecting an upbeat, happy soundtrack to play in the background. Whatever you do, don’t play Nickelback on repeat. Nobody wants that.
There you have it! Some quick tips and staging strategies for your home. If you want more random musings from yours truly – well shucks, I know just the place. Want to grab a coffee and discuss whether or not aliens exist – I’m good for that too! Thanks for popping in and keep being awesome!
