Staging Tips for Selling Your Home
Perhaps you’ve already realized that there are any number of different interpretations of “Home Staging.” Even real estate agents have different opinions of what to do and how to do it. Although there are common sense guidelines for repairs and cleaning, many are confused about changes beyond these basics.
The general definition of Home Staging is “to present property that is attractive to many buyers, which increases interest and offers”.
The items that attract buyers are fairly easy to identify. Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and granite counter top their short list.
However, there are ways to improve the presentation of a property without a major renovation or truck loads of rental furnishings as the real estate and home improvement shows would like us to believe!
Improve the Traffic Flow
Home owners can improve the feeling of spaciousness with the removal and/or relocation of furnishings they currently own! When an agent shows a property there are usually 3-6 people entering the home and gathering together. It is important to give them as much space as possible to move throughout. We often recommend the removal or relocation of small pieces of furniture such as accent tables from hallways and entrances. We also suggest the removal of table leafs and side chairs from dining rooms and kitchens.
The placement of furnishings can greatly improve the first impression for buyers as well but this is not as easy for home sellers to identify on their own.
To show the beautiful fireplace and welcome buyers into the room, we recommended these sellers switch the sectional with a sofa from the finished basement. The heavy drapery was also replaced with lighter panels to increase the amount of natural light and feeling of spaciousness.
The greatest advice we can give is “do not assume or over-think it”! So many times sellers thought we would have recommended more to do or big renovations and they have stressed out over things that were not important in the end. I offer a one-hour consultation designed to eliminate any guesswork. I leave you with a reasonable list of changes that fit with your resources of time, energy and budget to prepare your property for the real estate market.
We always say it is never too early to look at staging possibilities.
If you know a close friend or family member that has been thinking about selling their home but needs motivation, please pass on my information. If you are wondering what home-staging might do for your own goals, let’s chat. I will give you an honest assessment of your situation.