By Staging a house for sale can increase its appeal to potential buyers and help it sell more quickly and for more money. Whether you decide to DIY or call in a professional, there are some easy steps you can take to get your house ready for market.
First, declutter your home. This includes removing items from closets, thinning shelves and putting away personal photos and decor.
1. Declutter.
Decluttering a house for sale is an effective way to make the property feel more spacious and attract more buyers. It can also help reduce the stress and time spent on preparing a home for sale, and it can help you save money in the long run by removing unnecessary items from your home.
The best way to declutter your home is to break the task into small, manageable pieces. This will allow you to take on one area at a time, which can make the process feel more manageable and give you a sense of accomplishment.
2. Paint.
In today’s real estate market, painting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to increase your home’s resale value. Plus, it’s a great way to make your house stand out among others.
But it’s important to choose the right paint colors when you’re getting your house ready for sale. Some unusual shades of color can turn off potential buyers, especially if they’re looking for something more traditional.
3. Add plants.
One of the most important ways to stage a house for sale is by adding plants. They’re a great way to make your home look cozy and inviting.
Real estate expert Michael Simons explains that houseplants are a popular decor item because they add greenery to a room, which can help potential buyers picture themselves in the space. Additionally, plants can help purify the air and create a more calming environment.
4. Clean.
When it comes to selling a home, time is of the essence. Real estate agents expect you to get your house in tip-top shape for showings.
It might sound counterintuitive, but keeping a house clean when it’s on the market can make it sell faster and for more money. That’s because potential buyers don’t want to deal with a dirty home.
5. Add light.
When staging your house for sale, lighting is a crucial element that should be carefully considered. Investing in a new light fixture can instantly change the look and feel of your home.
In fact, 45% of surveyed real estate pros say outdated lighting is a major turnoff to potential buyers. Staging experts advise updating dated light fixtures with new ones that are both energy efficient and stylish.
6. Add a focal point.
A focal point can help a room feel more spacious and attractive. Focus on a fireplace, unique architectural element, or an unassuming window when staging the space.
Arrange furniture pieces toward it to create a conversational area. Or, hang artwork, a picture collage, a quilt, or a framed mirror above it to draw attention to the focal point.
7. Remove clutter.
When you’re staging a house for sale, it’s important to remove any clutter. It helps to depersonalize the space and allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Often, this means getting rid of personal family photos and collectible knick knacks. These items can be distracting and a real turn off for buyers.
8. Add personality.
Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to add a little personality, there are plenty of ways to do so. From using open shelving to adding a focal point, there are plenty of things you can do to make your house for sale stand out from the crowd.
One of the best ways to add a bit of personality is by using items that are part of your daily life. This can be as simple as putting on a new tie or as complex as framing photos of a trip you’ve taken.
9. Focus on the positives.
Staging is a great way to highlight your home’s strengths, minimize its flaws and appeal to the largest pool of potential buyers. The National Association of Realtors reports that about a quarter of buyers are willing to overlook property faults when staged, which can increase your selling price and speed up the process.
A good first step is to declutter your home, including closets and countertops. Getting rid of personal photographs, decor and other belongings will help your house feel more like a buyer’s home.