When you're preparing to sell your home, making a positive impression on potential buyers is crucial. Staging your home effectively can make a significant difference in how quickly it sells and even the price it fetches. In this article, we'll explore the concept of home staging and provide practical tips to help you showcase your home in the best possible light.
What is home staging?
Home staging involves preparing a residential property for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal is to make the home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling the property more swiftly and for a higher price.
But does it work? According to the National Association of REALTORS, the answer is a definite “yes.” Per the 2023 Profile of Home Staging report, 81% of buyers' agents said that staging a house made it easier for the buyer to visualize the property as their future home.
Here are some other key insights to keep in mind:
- Buyers say staging the living room is the most important (39%), followed by staging the primary bedroom (36%) and staging the kitchen (30%).
- When staging a home, 20% of sellers' agents report a 1-5% increase in the dollar value of their offers compared to similar homes.
- 27% of sellers' agents say staging reduced the time their homes spent on the market.
5 home staging tips and tricks
Here are five tips to help you stage your home like a pro:
- Make a good first impression
The entryway sets the tone for the entire viewing experience. Ensure your home’s entrance is welcoming and immaculate. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, a new doormat and some potted plants can transform an ordinary entryway into an inviting passage. - Maximize curb appeal
Curb appeal is your home’s first chance to impress potential buyers before they even step inside. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, weed the garden and ensure the walkways and driveways are free of debris. Small improvements like these can dramatically boost your home's exterior appeal and attract more buyers. - Remove personal photographs
Personal items, especially photographs, can distract buyers from envisioning the house as their own. By depersonalizing the space, you allow buyers to imagine their own photos, art and furniture in the home, which can lead to a stronger emotional connection. - Declutter and deep clean
A cluttered home can feel smaller and less inviting. Take the time to declutter and organize each room. Follow up with a deep clean that includes washing windows, scrubbing floors and cleaning carpets. A spotless home is always more appealing and suggests that the property has been well-maintained. - Nail the finishing touches
Small details can make a big difference. Consider adding fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen. Set the dining table elegantly or arrange some tasteful art pieces around the home. These touches add warmth and character, making the space more welcoming.
Staging your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these tips, you can create a more appealing property that resonates with potential buyers. Remember, the effort you put into staging can pay off in the form of a quicker sale and potentially a higher sale price
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. Please consult with the professionals of your choice to discuss your situation.