Create an irresistible first impression for selling your home

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. From the moment a buyer steps through the door — or even walks up to the door — they need to picture what it will be like to live in that space. They are so important, in fact, that those first impressions can lead to how much you make on your home’s sale. This is why staging is so beneficial.

Effective staging will transform a home if you’re looking to sell. It’s used to showcase your strengths, downplay any weaknesses, and it and helps buyers envision what their lives will be like if they live there. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reports staging can increase an offer price anywhere from 1 to 5 percent compared to non-staged homes.

If you’re thinking of selling, put your home in its best light by using the following staging tips.

Step one of staging your home begins with decluttering and depersonalization. Clutter often makes rooms seem smaller and can distract from your home’s features. Meanwhile, personal touches like family photos, kids’ artwork, or other unique décor can prevent potential buyers from being able to envision themselves in your home. Remove anything that distracts from the home.

Then, start deep cleaning and make any repairs or touch-ups your home may need. When cleaning, pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. Don’t forget to clean windows to let in more light, which will make the space feel brighter. Then, fix any minor issues you might have with your home, such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, scuffed paint, or warped trim. Small repairs and cleanliness can go a long way toward suggesting a home has been well-maintained.

It’s important not to overcrowd any of your rooms with too much furniture. Focus on the flow you want potential buyers to follow and consider the use of each room. Be sure to decorate with furniture that fits the space. For example, large rooms can benefit from oversized furniture that fills the room and doesn’t look tiny. In smaller rooms, neutral colors of furniture can make a room feel more open.

In bedrooms, take advantage of storage solutions like baskets and cubbies to keep the room looking tidy. Minimize the amount of furniture you have in your bedroom so it doesn’t feel cluttered. Adding a headboard, as well as a new duvet or bedspread, can help the bedroom feel pulled together. Be sure to accessorize using comfortable throws and pillows that can layer in color and texture to your home and create a space that makes potential buyers want to stay.

Any décor you use to stage your home should be appealing to a broad audience, so start with a clean palette of neutral colors then add color with pillows, throws, and artwork. Make sure you have ample natural light and accessorize with mirrors to add depth to a room. You can also add rugs to create visual interest and connect a room’s elements.

With clutter gone, you can add a bit of color by filling a vase with fresh flowers or adding a bowl of fresh fruit to the kitchen counter or dining room table. Using fresh towels and small plants or scented candles can make a room feel fresh and cared for. Otherwise, countertops should be clean and clear. On coffee tables or shelves, consider stacking a small set of books to create visual interest. And if you have a home office, be sure the workspace remains clutter-free. Add a few stylish office accessories to make it feel professional and inviting.

Curb appeal is every bit as important as staging the inside of your home — maybe even more so since the exterior of a home is the first thing a buyer sees. The outside of your home needs to be inviting. Fortunately, by focusing on maintaining the exterior, you can make a great first impression.  

Be sure to mow the lawn and cut back any overgrowth that may make your home look unattractive. Pressure washing your siding, patio, doors and windows will remove any mold or dirt that may have built up and give it a fresh look. Plant flowers or shrubs to give your home a bit of color. And set up a clean and welcoming entrance by painting the front door, adding a seasonal wreath, or setting up cute patio furniture can go a long way toward making your home look inviting.

If you don’t feel comfortable tackling staging on your own, your real estate agent will be a great resource as you get your home prepped to sell. Some agents are comfortable either doing staging themselves or providing professional resources like Tres Belle Designs, who are experts at staging homes to sell fast.

Some agents can even virtually stage your home to enhance online searches. However, traditional staging is worth the time and investment and can be a powerful tool that helps you sell your home fast. Keep in mind that the goal is to help buyers see themselves making memories, and delivering on that experience can make staging an effective investment that pays off for you.

The Jim Allen Group provides access to information on this blog/website as a public service for educational purposes only. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all of the information made available is current, accurate, and complete…[read more]