Staging Your Home for Maximum Impact: Do's and Don'ts
When selling your home, first impressions are everything. Effectively staging your home can make a big difference in how quickly it sells and for how much. But, before we get into the details of HOW to stage a home, we will first take a look at WHY? A couple of fast facts that may help sell you on the importance of staging a home: According to the R.E.S.A. (Real Estate Staging Association) and the National Association of Realtors...
- 85% of Staged Homes sell for ABOVE list price.
- 95% of Buyers are online FIRST looking at photos of the home.
- 6 minutes- The average amount of time buyers VIEW a home online
- 15 seconds- The time it takes for buyers to form an OPINION about a home
Staging a home is crucial for helping buyers envision themselves living in the space. Although it requires some upfront investment, the return is often reflected in a higher listing price. To help you get the most out of your home staging efforts, here are the essential Do’s and Don’ts to follow.
Do's:
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
The first and most crucial step in staging is decluttering and depersonalizing the space. Pack away personal items like family photos and keep only essential decor. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the home, and removing clutter allows the focus to stay on the space, not on your belongings.
2. Focus on Curb Appeal
First impressions start before buyers even enter the home. Spruce up your home’s exterior by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and adding some fresh plants. Make sure the front door looks welcoming by repainting it and adding a nice doormat. A well-maintained exterior draws buyers in and sets the tone for the rest of the house.
3. Highlight Key Features
Every home has unique selling points, whether it's large windows, a fireplace, or an open floor plan. Make sure these features stand out. Arrange furniture to draw attention to these areas, and keep decor minimal so the room’s best features shine. This helps potential buyers envision their future in your home.
4. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light can make rooms feel larger and more inviting, so open up curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible. If a room lacks natural light, add lamps or mirrors to brighten up the space. The brighter your home feels, the more welcoming it becomes.
5. Stage Each Room with a Purpose
When staging your home, make sure every room has a clear and defined purpose. If you have an extra bedroom, stage it as a guest room or home office, rather than leaving it as a cluttered space. Buyers want to see how each room can be used effectively.
6. Neutralize the Color Palette
Neutral colors are key to creating a blank canvas for buyers. Repaint walls in light, neutral shades like white, beige, or soft gray to make rooms feel larger and allow potential buyers to imagine their own furnishings in the space. You can still add pops of color through small accessories, like pillows or flowers, but keep the overall palette soft and neutral.
7. Stage Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget to stage your outdoor areas like patios or backyards. Arrange outdoor furniture and add decorative elements like pillows and potted plants to create a cozy outdoor living space. Buyers often see outdoor spaces as an extension of the home, and well-staged outdoor areas can add value to your property.
Don'ts:
1. Overcrowd the Space
Too much furniture or decor can make a space feel cramped. Remove bulky furniture and unnecessary items to create an open and airy feel. Make sure there is plenty of room to walk between rooms and throughout the home without feeling constrained.
2. Neglect Small Repairs
Minor flaws like chipped paint, broken light switches, or leaky faucets may seem insignificant, but they can make buyers wonder if there are bigger issues lurking. Take the time to fix any small problems before listing your home. It shows buyers that the home has been well-maintained.
3. Ignore Odors
Nothing turns a buyer off faster than unpleasant odors. Be mindful of pet smells, cooking odors, or musty areas in your home. Clean thoroughly before any showing, paying special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and pet areas. You want your home to smell fresh and clean.
4. Use Overpowering Scents
While you may want your home to smell nice, avoid heavy air fresheners or scented candles that could overwhelm buyers. Stick with subtle, natural scents like fresh linens, baked goods, or citrus. Too much scent can raise suspicions that you’re trying to cover up something unpleasant.
5. Forget to Maintain Walkways
Overgrown walkways, cracked paths, or cluttered outdoor areas can make a bad impression before buyers even step inside. Keep walkways clear and in good condition, and maintain any outdoor areas. This helps buyers feel welcome and confident about the home’s condition.
Conclusion
Staging your home is about making it as inviting as possible for potential buyers. By following these key Do's and avoiding the Don'ts, you can ensure your home looks its best, increases its appeal, and sells quickly. If you’re ready to sell or need help preparing your home, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
