Today’s home buyers are in a position that allows them access to your home before you even know they are interested in a possible purchase. With the popularity of online listings, a potential home buyer can view photographs that highlight the beauty (or disarray) of your home without the need to leave the comfort of their sofa. It’s more important than ever that you understand how to stage your home to sell.
How do I stage my home to sell?
You want your home to stand out from the crowd and appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. Begin with curb appeal that makes a buyer want to see what’s on the inside of your home because they are so impressed with the outside. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms because these are rooms that get a lot of interest from buyers. Living rooms, dens, and bedrooms should be staged to maximize space. Once you have the home staged, you’ll want a plan in place to keep it show ready for the time your home is listed.
How do I build curb appeal?
You get one chance to make a first impression that creates enough interest that a buyer can’t wait to see the inside of your home. Many buyers are focused on the outdoor appeal because they have pets, need space for activities, or plan to entertain. Keep the lawn maintained and free of debris. Remove excessive decorations and freshen the bedding in flower beds. Place outdoor furniture in conversational settings. Consider painting the front door an inviting color and add a colorful plant near the entrance to create a welcoming environment.
How do I stage the kitchen?
Kitchens receive a great deal of attention because it can be the hub of the home in many households. Take time to organize the cabinets and the pantry according to size, color, or use. This creates an impressive looking kitchen that gives the impression that you take care of your home and the small details. Remove small appliances from counters and pack away themed collections that may prove to be distracting. If you have an eat-in kitchen, make sure the table is the right size for the space. Add a rug under the table for contrast and to make the space purposeful.
How can I stage the bathroom?
Bathrooms can seem challenging if they are small, but there are still things you can do to maximize their potential. Remove clothing hampers and large waste baskets. These can make the room look smaller and create unpleasant odors. Remove items from counters and put away personal care items. Remember that people will be opening cabinets and drawers. It’s best to remove any medications and place them in a secure location elsewhere. Consider adding fresh hand towels and a shower curtain. Keep the color scheme neutral.
What are some tips for staging living rooms?
You want potential buyers to see themselves living in your home and spending time in areas like living rooms and dens. Remove personal photographs, collections, and any items that could be controversial. Position furniture away from the walls to make the room appear spacious. Resist the urge to fill bookcases. Choose select books and neutral décor items to create interest without making the shelves look cluttered. Remove oversized pieces of furniture that make the room look smaller. Keep things bright by making sure nothing is obstructing the view from windows.
How do I keep things ready for open house?
Keeping the house and property clean and ready for visitors can seem like a daunting task for a busy household, but there are some things you can do to make it easier. If you have small children, make a game out of pick-up time. Set a timer once or twice a day for 15 minutes and have household members use this time to put away anything out of place and do spot cleanings. Take a bit of time here and there will keep you from being overwhelmed just before a showing or open house.
