Spring and summer time brings many home buyers out of hibernation to shop for new homes, partly due to kids being out of school. Although many factors determine how fast and for how much a home sells, many professionals will agree that a staged home sells faster and usually for more money. Hiring a professional home stager might be in the budget but if not, here are some do-it-yourself home staging tips anyone can use.
- Declutter! Less junk makes your home look more spacious and inviting.
- Less is more! Remove extra furniture pieces and store them in a self-storage unit.
- Create Flow! Organize remaining furniture so that there is good flow and movement among rooms.
- Depersonalize! You want potential buyers to see themselves living in your home. They can’t do that if they see you and your family everywhere they look. This also means removing decorative pieces and artwork that might not appeal to everyone.
- Clean! And clean thoroughly. That means removing carpet stains and marks on your walls. Replace worn carpets for something neutral. Don’t forget to pressure clean patios, decks, driveways and walkways in front of home.
- Paint! Breathe new life into your home with neutral colors.
- Clear out! Remove kitchen appliances to give the impression of lots of counter space. Do the same with bathroom counters and closets. Storage is important to buyers and a full unorganized closets gives buyers the impression that home is short on space. Store what you want to keep in a cheap storage unit.
- Spruce up worn kitchen and bathrooms! Paint or replace cabinet doors for a fresh look. Swap out a beat-up laminate countertops for granite or stone.
- Curb Appeal! Don’t forget the outside; it’s the first thing buyers see when they pull up. Get rid of weeds and cut your grass. Plant some flowers or put some potted plants around.
- Enter! Set a clean and inviting stage with a clean and freshly painted the front door.
It is certain that time and money spent decluttering and staging your home is worth it in the end. But how do you know if your staging is up to par and will appeal to buyers. Ask your real estate agent to review and offer suggestions on what to do next.
And then on open house days bake some cookies or muffins. The smell of freshly baked pastries makes buyers feel instantly at home. Everything is coming up roses! Place bunches of fresh long-lasting flowers that smell good around the home. One thing is certain, whether you do staging yourself or hire a professional stager, staging will definitely help you sell your home.