Finding homes is easier than ever due to the number of listings found online. A potential buyer can see the inside of your home without leaving the comfort of their sofa. Think about that for a moment. Your home will be compared to numerous homes that are like yours. You’ll need to do something to stand out from the crowd and get noticed. The best way to do that is to create a lasting first impression by staging your home to sell.
🏡 How do I build curb appeal?
Build curb appeal by making sure your lawn is well maintained and free of debris. You want to grab the attention of potential buyers before they even pull into the driveway. Make them want to see what’s inside. This is just as important for buyers who are searching online. If they aren’t impressed with the photo of the outside of your home, they make slide right and keep moving to the next listing.
Paint the door an inviting and vibrant color that catches attention. Use seasonal plants near the entrance way to create interest. Excessive décor should be removed from the yard. You don’t want the property to be distracting because of clutter. Outdoor furniture placed in conversational settings is appealing and helps a buyer see themselves entertaining in that space. Don’t forget outside buildings, pools, and spa areas. Keep them clean, organized, and maintained.
🚰 Is it true that kitchens sell homes?
Kitchens are gathering places for household members and friends. For this reason, kitchens are hot rooms when it comes to staging appeal. Buyers are looking for open spaces with counters and storage that makes using the kitchen a pleasant experience. Upgraded appliances are nice but check with your real estate agent to see if this is something that will add value to your property before you invest. In fact, it’s a good idea to check with your real estate agent before making any renovations.
Drawers, cabinets, and the pantry should be organized and ready for viewing. Canned goods, boxes, and other items can be sorted by use, color, and size to create a visually appealing cabinet. This type of care lets the buyer know that you take care of the home and pay attention to small details. Remove magnets and photos from appliances. Place a colorful vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit on the counter.
🛁 How can I stage the bathroom?
Bathrooms are most likely the second most important room for many buyers. For this reason, you want to enhance the room and maximize the space. Remove hampers and large trash cans. Leaving these in a bathroom can make the room seem smaller and create odors that are not pleasant.
Keep the room neutral with pops of color to create interest. Remove personal care items or anything that could cause a buyer to be embarrassed if they open a bathroom drawer or cabinet. Place all medications in a lockbox that is stored elsewhere. Replace the shower curtain and update hand towels. Make sure the lighting in bathrooms is bright. This attention to detail can make all the difference when it comes to making the room seem open and spacious.
💡 What about staging living rooms?
You want potential buyers to see themselves living in the house. This can be difficult if they are distracted by your personal collections and belongings. Removing photos, collections, and controversial items helps buyers focus on the property without being turned off by things they don’t appreciate. Use neutral colors that will appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Place living room furniture so that it’s away from walls and not obstructing the window views. Oversized furniture pieces can make rooms seem smaller. Bookshelves can be an asset if they are used properly when staging. Resist the urge to fill them with books and lots of decorations. Choose a few books and items that are meaningful and neutral to sit on a few shelves. Open shelves create a spacious look.
💎 How do I keep things show ready?
Keeping your home ready for visitors can be a challenge during the time you’re having showings and open houses. After all, you live in the home. Having a solid plan in place for quick cleanups and regular pickups can lessen stress and keep things looking staged. Small children can help when you make cleanup time a fun game. You’ll have advanced notice before an open house or showing but keeping things neat on a daily basis will make getting ready for these times a breeze.