Every homeowner selling their property dreams of finding a buyer who will fall in love with their home at first sight. While there's no magical formula to guarantee this, home staging has been proven to significantly influence a buyer's perception of a property.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 58% of buyers' agents cited that home staging had an effect on most buyers' view of the home most of the time. So, how can one ensure that their home leaves a lasting impression? Let's dive into nine heartfelt tips to stage a home that resonates with potential buyers.
Defining Home Staging
Home staging is more than just a process—it's an art. It's the emotional journey that potential buyers embark on, from the first click on online listings to the awe-inspired moment they step into a well-staged home. This approach, endorsed by the Real Estate Staging Association and countless real estate agents, involves strategically preparing a home to highlight its best features. From the polished hardwood floors to the perfectly placed potted plants, every detail is crafted to evoke a sense of belonging.
The Significance of Home Staging
Ask any professional home stager or real estate agent, and they'll echo the same sentiment: home staging is paramount. In today's competitive market, where home buyers often start their search by browsing homes online, first impressions are digital. A well-staged home captures the heart from the first online image. Staging efforts don't just stop at making rooms feel spacious or ensuring all the lights showcase the home's features. They delve deeper, enhancing curb appeal, ensuring that the living room resonates warmth, and even that the toilet seat is always down. It's these little touches, day-to-day considerations that make a home feel "move-in ready." And when prospective buyers feel that, they're not just interested—they're invested.
The Role of Real Estate Agents in Staging
Real estate agents wear many hats, and while they're experts in selling homes, they're not always professional home stagers. However, most buyers' agents and sellers' agents reported the undeniable value of home staging. They can provide valuable staging tips, recommend professional stagers, or even guide you through the home staging process. Their goal aligns with yours: to sell the home quickly and for more money. So, whether they're advising on the best color to paint a guest bedroom or suggesting how to enhance curb appeal, their insights stem from seeing countless homes and understanding what resonates with as many potential buyers as possible.
Weighing the Worth of Home Staging
Is it worth lighting all the lights, ensuring a pristine white shower curtain in the bathroom, or making the entertainment room look like a dream? In one word: Absolutely. Most buyers' agents will attest to the fact that a well-staged home makes it easier for future buyers to visualize themselves in the space. It's not just about empty space or a move-in-ready appearance; it's about evoking emotions. Personal items and family portraits may be dear to a seller, but to a prospective buyer, they can be distractions. The aim is to help them visualize their own family photos on those walls. So, when weighing the worth of home staging efforts, remember it's more than just dollar value; it's the emotional connection that could lead to a sale.
Expert Home Staging Tips
Declutter
In the heart of every home lies the memories and stories that have unfolded within its walls. But sometimes, our belongings, collected over the years, can unintentionally hide the beauty and potential of our homes. When you declutter, you're not merely tidying up; you're breathing new life into every corner, making each room glow with possibility. By letting go of what's not essential, we allow potential buyers to imagine their own stories unfolding there. Think of decluttering not as losing, but gifting yourself a fresh start and presenting a canvas where future homeowners can paint their dreams.
Deep clean
Deep cleaning is akin to polishing a gem, revealing its true brilliance. With each sweep, scrub, and wipe, you're not just removing dirt or dust; you're reviving the soul of the home, letting it shine in all its glory. When floors gleam and windows let in undisturbed rays of sunshine, it whispers to prospective buyers of care, love, and warmth.
Patch and repair
Potential buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a property that's well-maintained and move-in ready. By addressing any visible defects or maintenance issues, you not only enhance the overall appeal of your home but also build trust with buyers. Moreover, addressing problems upfront can prevent them from becoming major deal-breakers during negotiations or inspections, potentially saving you from costly concessions or a delayed sale.
Depersonalize the Space
When potential buyers walk into a property, they want to envision themselves living there, and an overly personalized space can be distracting. By removing personal photographs, unique art, and personalized items, you create a blank canvas that allows buyers to project their own visions onto the space.
Choose Neutral Colors
Like the soft turning of pages in a yet-to-be-written book, neutral shades provide a serene backdrop, ready to be imbued with the dreams and aspirations of potential buyers. It's not just about painting walls; it's about creating an embracing atmosphere, a canvas on which buyers can paint their dreams and hopes.
Make Use of Natural Lighting
The sun, in its radiant glory, is the most genuine storyteller. When its rays seep through windows, dance on hardwood floors, or cast gentle shadows on the walls, it brings a home to life in a way artificial lighting never could. Making use of natural lighting is akin to letting the home breathe, to letting it show off its best self.
Rearrange Your Furniture
The right furniture arrangement can make rooms appear more spacious and inviting, emphasizing the flow and functionality of the space. It allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home more easily. Additionally, strategically placed furniture can highlight architectural features and draw attention to the property's strengths. By investing time in rearranging your furniture, you can create a positive first impression and increase the likelihood of a faster sale at a desirable price, underlining the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of home staging.
Make Sure Rooms Are Well-Defined
Ensuring that rooms are well-defined before selling your home is a crucial aspect of effective home staging. Clearly defined spaces help buyers understand the purpose and potential of each room, making it easier for them to visualize their future life within the property. Whether it's converting a cluttered storage room into a functional home office or showcasing a dining area as an inviting space for gatherings, well-defined rooms can enhance a home's appeal.
Improve Curb Appeal
Improving curb appeal before selling your home is akin to making a captivating first impression. It's the first thing potential buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire perception of the property. Simple enhancements like fresh landscaping, a well-maintained lawn, a neatly painted front door, and clean, clutter-free surroundings can instantly make your home more inviting. Aesthetic upgrades to the exterior can draw buyers in and create a sense of pride and ownership from the moment they arrive.
About Heather Cummings
*Header photo courtesy of Heather Cummings
