Selling a home can be an exciting, yet stressful time in a homeowner’s life. One way to help ensure that your home sells quickly and for the best possible price is through the process of home staging. Home staging can help prepare a home for sale by making it look as attractive and appealing as possible to potential buyers. This involves creating an environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space, making it feel inviting and comfortable.
Here are some suggestions for successfully staging your home:
1. Declutter & Clean
The first step in home staging is to declutter and clean the space thoroughly. Remove any unnecessary items and store them away to create a more spacious and organized environment. This may include personal items such as family photos, excess furniture, or cluttered kitchen counters. Once you have decluttered, be sure to deep clean your home, paying close attention to areas that are easily overlooked such as baseboards, windows, and light fixtures. When people view a home for sale they are looking for cues that a home has been well maintained and a dirty home, although easy to fix, is a very negative cue. This is number one because it’s number one in importance as well.
2. Create a Neutral Palette
While you may love bright colors or bold patterns, potential buyers may not share the same taste. When staging your home, it is best to keep the color scheme neutral to appeal to a wider audience. This may include painting the walls a light, neutral color and choosing furniture and décor in complementary colors.
3. Highlight Key Features
Every home has unique features that make it stand out. It may be a fireplace, a large window with a stunning view, or a beautiful kitchen island. Make sure to highlight these features by arranging furniture and décor in a way that draws attention to them. For example, placing a cozy seating area in front of a fireplace can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. Let in Natural Light
Natural light can make a home feel larger and more inviting. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Be sure to clean windows to allow for maximum visibility.
5. Enhance Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Enhance curb appeal by cleaning up any clutter or debris, trimming bushes and hedges, and adding some potted plants or flowers near the entrance. You might also consider painting the front door to make sure it is clean and fresh. Check out our other article on how to enhance your curb appeal!
6. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
It’s important to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that will make potential buyers feel at home. This can be achieved by adding soft throws and pillows to seating areas, lighting candles, or diffusing essential oils for a pleasant aroma, and placing fresh flowers or greenery throughout the home. However, too much added aromas may make the buyer think you are trying to hide something. The ideal is to be pleasant but not overpowering.
Home staging can make a significant impact on the sale of your home. By creating an inviting and appealing environment, potential buyers will be more likely to envision themselves living in the space and make an (higher) offer.