Being able to stage your home is an important aspect of selling it. Homes that are properly staged will typically sell more quickly and for more money than homes in the same neighborhood that are not properly staged. There are several steps you can take to stage your home, but we have found that these are the top areas to focus on.
First impressions matter
You may have the most gorgeous home in the world on the inside, but if the outside doesn’t draw people in, it won’t really matter. Potential buyers will form an opinion about your property within the first 30 seconds, which barely gets them inside the door. Your curb appeal must be at its best to keep buyers interested in the rest of your property.
Clean up walkways, mow the lawn and remove any flowers that are wilting or dead. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your shutters and doors, and look for any issues with your home’s exterior.
Create a grand entrance
You also want to make a great impression when the buyers finally make their way into your home. Be certain to clean your entryway and light it well with both natural light and indoor lighting. Make it as open as possible by removing unnecessary furniture.
Don’t forget that the visual element isn’t the only thing that buyers will experience when they enter your home — they will also experience how it smells. If you have ignored a musty smell (or any other kind of smell), now is the time to address it. You may have become accustomed to smells that may turn off others. Ask your agent for their input and don’t be offended by the answer.
Get rid of clutter
Clutter is everywhere in your home, even if you maintain a very well-kept home. Personal and beloved items like photographs, mementos and souvenirs distract home buyers and distance them from being able to see themselves living in a home. You will need to gather up all of these personal objects and pack them away before prospective buyers come to look at your property. Removing these things will not only help to allow buyers to see themselves living there, but it will help to make your home appear larger as well.
Scrub everything
Your whole house should be spotless before any showing. If you are limited on time, focus your energy on your kitchen, bathrooms and floors. Clean windows are also a huge selling point, so if you don’t have time to clean them yourself, hire a professional service to clean them.
