Staging your home and properly preparing your home for open
houses can have a big impact on your final sale price. The goal of home
staging is to present your property in the best light, while making it easy
for potential buyers to envisions themselves living in the space. There are
many expert home staging companies, but trying to choose one on your own can
be a challenge. You want a professional stager whose work has proven results.
Your local, experience real estate agent can recommend which stagers they use
and can connect you with the best professionals for your home. Your real
estate agent may also be a great referral source for other home maintenance
professionals who can help you prepare your home for sale like the best
contractors, plumbers, electricians and window washers.
Here are some home staging tips and ideas to get you started on making your
house sell-ready:
Declutter Everywhere
And by declutter we mean move every single personal
thing out of your place—knickknacks, kitschy decorations, souvenirs, tattered
furniture. It all goes elsewhere for the sake of staging. When you look at
knickknacks and collectibles you remember their sentimental value, but these
items don't have the same impact on buyers who don't know you. Buyers
want to be able to imagine themselves in your space and its easiest for that to happen if they don't see clothes in the closet, family
photos and random tchotchkes.
Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms
Your kitchen and bathrooms are key to the resale value of your home. Get
these spaces thoroughly clean (maybe a maid service can go the extra mile
here), expect prospective buyers to open cabinets and pantries so keep them
under filled and organized, and think about how low cost upgrades could help
these rooms. Maybe it's time for new cabinet knobs, new faucet fixtures or a
new light.
Knock Buyers' Socks off with Curb Appeal
Don't forget the exterior when staging your home. Replace any bad areas of
grass with new sod. Add fresh top soil to flower beds. Consider potted plants
for your porch or entrance. Trim bushes and trees to make your yard look neat
and well maintained.
Grow your space with Mirrors
Well placed mirrors will make your living spaces look lighter, brighter and
bigger just like magic. Put mirrors in places that help bounce sunlight
around the walls.
Don't forget your table manners
Simply setting the table can have a big affect on
buyers. Seeing a nicely set table makes potential home buyers feel welcome.
Similar effects can be achieved by using non-scented candles throughout the
home, hanging nice hand towels in the bathrooms, setting a breakfast tray on
the bed or putting a nice book on the coffee table.
Play up Light
Open all window coverings all the way to allow people to better view your
home in sunshine. Home buyers love big, bright rooms. Make sure your windows
are clean inside and out and you've dusted your windowsills.
Last but not least, Clean, then clean some more
A sparkling clean house gives buyers the impression your home has been
well-maintained over the years. Knock down cobwebs, wipe counter tops, scrub
grout, mop floors, wash light fixtures and repeat. Keep the space fresh and
clean until it sells; a one-time cleaning won't be enough. You may want
to consider hiring a weekly cleaning service once your house is staged.
If it shortens your selling time, it’s money well
spent.
