8 Real Estate Staging Tips to Make Your Listing Shine
You’ve probably heard of the term “staging a house.” But what does that actually mean? In short, staging is the process of preparing a house for sale. This involves making sure the house is clean, tidy, and appealing to potential buyers. Keep reading for easy staging tips that make a big difference!
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. That’s why real estate agents need to be well-versed in the art of home staging. Home staging is the process of making a house look its best before putting it on the market. By taking the time to stage a home, you can increase its curb appeal and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Not sure where to start? Here are some real estate staging tips that every agent should know:
- Start with the outside of the house.
The first thing potential buyers will see is the outside of the house, so it’s important to make sure that it looks its best. This means power washing the siding, trimming the hedges, and adding some color with fresh flowers or potted plants. Making sure any cracks or holes in the driveway and front walk are repaired also adds to the curb appeal.
- Make sure all common areas are clean and clutter-free.
This includes spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Clutter makes a space look smaller and can be off-putting to potential buyers. Be sure to declutter each room by removing personal items like family photos and knick-knacks. This will help potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space. After all, it’s difficult to see past someone else’s stuff, and we want buyers imagining their family photos there, not seeing yours. You should also consider renting a storage unit to store any extra furniture or belongings that you won’t need while your home is on the market. More available space makes your home look larger than it is.
- Don’t forget about small details like lightbulbs and door knobs.
It’s amazing how much of a difference something as small as a lightbulb can make in a room. Be sure to replace any burned-out lightbulbs and install high-wattage bulbs in dim areas. You should also tighten any loose doorknobs and cabinet handles. These small details will make a big impression on potential buyers!
- Add some freshness with new paint or carpeting.
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room (and an entire house!). Consider painting common areas like the living room and kitchen in neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of people. You can add pops of color in throw pillows or décor to brighten up the room. You might also want to consider replacing old carpeting or flooring if it looks worn or dated. This is a larger expense, but it could be worth it if it helps you sell your home quickly for top dollar.
- Create natural flow.
When potential buyers are touring a house, you want them to be able to move easily from one room to the next. That’s why it’s important to create a natural flow throughout the space. Move furniture out of walkways and clear any clutter off surfaces like tabletops and countertops. You want buyers to be able to move freely and imagine themselves living in the house—not feel like they’re trapped in a minefield!
- Let the sunshine in!
Bright rooms feel bigger and more inviting, so open up those curtains and turn on all the lights before buyers come through. If a room feels dark or cramped, consider buying some lamps to brighten things up. This could mean anything from floor lamps to table lamps to sconces. Just make sure the light fixtures you choose fit with the style of the house.
- Stick with neutral colors.
While you might love that shocking pink accent wall in your bedroom, chances are not everyone shares your taste! When it comes to painting walls, stick with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige. These colors will help make rooms feel bigger and more spacious—two things that are very appealing to potential buyers. Plus, neutral colors are much easier to paint over if buyers want to put their own personal touch on things after they move in.
- Check for bad smells—and get rid of them!
Bad smells are a huge turnoff for potential buyers (no one wants to move into a smelly house!). So, before buyers come through, take some time to sniff around and see if there are any funky smells lurking around corners or wafting out of cupboards. If you notice any offensive odors, try to identify the source and get rid of it—whether that means cleaning something thoroughly or dumping out old food from the fridge (ew!). You might also want to consider buying some air fresheners or candles to help mask any lingering smells—just make sure you stick with subtle scents that won’t overwhelm buyers when they walk in the door. Aromatic scents that are too strong are almost as big of a turnoff!
By following these real estate staging tips, you can give your home the best chance of selling quickly and for top dollar. First impressions are everything, so take the time to stage your home before putting it on the market!
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