Home Staging Tips That Help You Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money
Home staging can help sell a home in several ways. First, it can help buyers visualize themselves living in the space. Staging a home includes cleaning, decluttering, and decorating to make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Second, home staging can help homes sell faster and for a higher price. A staged home is more likely to get more showings and offers than a non-staged home. This is because buyers are more likely to be interested in a house already in move-in condition and are more willing to pay a premium price.
Third, by staging your home, you can showcase its best features and minimize any flaws, resulting in a higher selling price. For example, if you have a smaller breakfast nook, make it a reading nook with a coffee bar. Not only will it appear larger, but it also showcases its versatility. Now that you see the many benefits of home staging, here are my favorite recommendations to set the stage to sell your home:
Outside
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- Spruce Up The Curb Appeal – First impressions matter. As a Mississippi Gulf Coast REALTOR®, I have been with buyers who refused to enter a home based on the exterior’s appearance. In other words, no matter how beautiful the inside is, you can still lose buyers if the outside shows neglect or wear and tear.
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- Upkeep While On the Market – Keep the lawn and flowerbeds tidy. If in season, add colorful flowers for a more inviting appearance.
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- Look at the Home from a Buyer’s Perspective – Does your home need power washing? Is the front door in need of a fresh coat of paint? How about the mailbox or adding a comfy chair to the porch? Freshen up and clean as needed.
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- Check Blinds and Curtains – Remove or replace them if damaged or out of style.
Inside
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- Depersonalize Your Home – Buyers could have a hard time envisioning their family in your home with your personal items like family photos. Store them away to save for your next home.
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- Deep Clean and Organize – Messy or dirty homes put buyers off. Clean and organize every room, closet and cabinet. YES, they will open doors and drawers while viewing your home.
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- Remove Linens and Clothing from Closets – Closet space is extremely valuable to homebuyers. Cramped closets set off warning bells that the area is too small.
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- Declutter – Pack away items not needed while your home is on the market. Clear all countertops in the kitchen and baths to make them feel more spacious.
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- Deep Clean Windows Inside and Out – Buyers love natural light. Be sure your windows are crystal clear to let the sunshine in.
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- Tuck Away Any Exposed Wires and Cables – Exposed cables from phones and TVs can make a space look messy.
Decor Tips
If your budget is tight, focus on the main rooms, such as the kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, and bath. Make each room feel clean and comfortable.
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- Accentuate the Positive – Make a list of your home’s best and worst qualities to determine which areas to focus on. For example, if you have hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring, don’t cover them with huge, colorful rugs. Add an appropriately sized, neutral-colored rug to highlight the floor. Use artwork, throws or pillows to draw the eye to the positives nearby in a negative space. Consider using slipcovers on old furniture. Use mirrors to create the illusion of space in a small room.
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- Keep the Dining Room Decor Simple and Remove any Clutter – Make it feel inviting and calming to buyers. Set the table to help them envision sitting down with family and friends.
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- Change Dim Light Bulbs – Check all bulbs and replace any dim ones with brighter ones. Add table or floor lamps to any dark corners in the room.
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- Swap Out Colorful Walls with Neutral Colors – This creates a blank canvas and removes the buyer’s fear of having to paint the home before moving in.
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- Replace Old Hardware on Cabinets and Drawers – Check what finishes are trending. Right now, gold and brushed nickel are popular. Add the new hardware to the cabinets after a thorough cleaning. If the cabinets are scratched and damaged, consider painting them inside and out for a fresher look.
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- Add Fresh Flowers and Candles to Rooms – Set the stage for a welcoming and relaxing vibe. These also bring a luxurious feel to the primary bath and bedroom. A beautiful centerpiece goes a long way in the dining room as well.
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- Make the Baths Shine – Change dingy shower curtains and liners and add white, fluffy towels to create a spa-like feel to the space.
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- Have Carpets Professionally Cleaned – A freshly cleaned carpet shows well and helps with unwanted odors. Consider a durable floor like a luxury vinyl plank if the carpet needs replacing.
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- Decorate Based On Your Target Market – Knowing the persona of home buyers looking for a new home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will help you stage it with items that fit their needs.
For more information on staging your home, contact me for a free market analysis, and I will give ideas to help you sell your home.
For easy reference, check out the Home Staging Infographic.
