When a property is newly acquired, it should appear and feel brand new to its purchaser. Home staging is the process of enhancing both the interior and exterior of a residence by the homeowner to expedite its sale, attract a wide pool of potential buyers, and command the highest possible selling price.
The essence of staging lies in highlighting a home's most attractive attributes, enticing potential buyers to envision themselves in the property. To effectively stage a house, the owner must detach themselves from any emotional attachments, as these can easily be recreated in a new home.
The Significance of Home Staging: Home staging eliminates personal elements, enabling prospective buyers to perceive the space as a blank canvas that they can customize to their liking. It also aids in decluttering and optimizing the use of space, allowing potential buyers to explore each room's potential fully. Lastly, home staging often involves thorough cleaning, eliminating any odors to which the owner may have become accustomed. Staging has evolved with the onset of technology, where the seller's home needs to be staged for 2 events - professional photos/video and the showings themselves. According to LendingTree, 24% of home buyers will make an offer without physically seeing the property. This means if you aren't focusing on staging for photos, you're ignoring a quarter of your potential sales market.
Tips for Home Staging: Before embarking on the home staging journey, homeowners should gain a clear understanding of their target customers' preferences and interests. Once this is taken into account, the process of staging can commence. Here are some of my recommended home staging tips:
Focus on Key Areas: Identify and prioritize the most impactful rooms, as these will significantly influence the possibility of a sale. From living spaces to kitchens, effectively staging these areas can yield a substantial return on your staging investment.
Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter greatly. As people drive by, your home should exude curb appeal, often serving as the deciding factor in whether a potential buyer sets foot inside. Improving curb appeal can be as simple as power-washing patios, maintaining the lawn, and adding blooming potted plants.
Thorough Deep Cleaning: Routine cleaning might suffice, but it's crucial not to overlook less conspicuous corners that a potential buyer might notice first. Seeking professional assistance for a deep clean can set your home apart from competitors.
Address Repairs: From chipped wooden floors to loose cabinet door hinges, minor repairs can help your home make a strong first impression.
Opt for Neutral Tones: Choose neutral color schemes for everything, from paint to floor tiles. This creates a welcoming atmosphere and allows buyers to envision their own decor seamlessly.
Declutter: Remove unnecessary items and excess furniture, ensuring that the furniture complements the room's size. This will create an open and inviting space for potential buyers. Decluttering the space is vital for making the professional photos of your home pop.
Maximize Unused Spaces: Transform underutilized areas and rooms into additional bedrooms or office spaces to showcase the full potential of your home.
Showcase Only the Best: Highlight appealing items while leaving out stained or odorous belongings to create a fresh and inviting environment.
Extend Staging to the Outdoors: Ensure that your backyard mirrors the inviting atmosphere of the interior of the house. Don't overlook this important aspect of staging.
