When it comes time to sell your home, you want to make sure that you make the best impression on potential buyers. One of the most important steps to prepare for private showings and open houses is to stage your home. By properly staging your home, you'll be able to present your home in the best possible light and create a welcoming atmosphere that will entice buyers.
Depersonalize Your Home
Home staging is all about making it possible for potential buyers to see themselves living in your home. To achieve this goal, think of your home as a blank canvas - remove all personal items that tell buyers that the home belongs to someone else. Begin by removing all personal photos, memorabilia, and knick-knacks, including anything on your refrigerator and walls. Remove or swap out any distracting or provocative artwork. Put away all clothing and put away any personal items in your bathroom.
Do a Thorough Clean
When you're about to place your home on the market, it's crucial that you perform extensive cleaning that goes above and beyond your usual routine. Try to remove all signs of dust and dirt throughout your home. Consider hiring professional cleaners to take care of this task for you.
Remove Clutter
While it's important that every surface in your home is clean, it's also a good idea to declutter your space. Homes are most appealing when they appear to have ample floor space. If you have furniture in every corner of your home, it can make the rooms look smaller than they are. Remove excess furniture and décor so buyers can move around freely.
Make Minor Repairs Where Necessary
Before listing your home, consider making minor repairs that can boost your home’s appeal. Tend to any imperfections that buyers might notice. Try to patch small holes and make scratches less visible. Consider adding some fresh paint to spots where fading has occurred. A handy tip is to remove scuffs from walls with melamine foam eraser sponges. Addressing these small damages lets buyers know that you take care of your home.
Don't Forget Curb Appeal
Even though home staging mainly occurs inside your home, it is also essential to pay attention to the exteriors. First impressions go a long way when you want a potential buyer to make an offer. You can boost your home's curb appeal by adding a fresh coat of paint to your shutters or front door, replacing old house numbers, and cleaning up any flowerbeds/landscaping in your yard. Consider renting a pressure washer to remove dirt from your roof, gutters, and siding.
Effective home staging can make the difference between a buyer making an offer and passing you over. Making a little extra effort upfront can go a long way towards getting the best offer for your home.
You might also enjoy reading:
How to Decorate Your Home Exterior for Winter
5 Things New Homeowners Waste Money on
What Not to Do When Selling Your Home