The process of staging a home in preparation for sale is an important one- and more involved than just cleaning up and ensuring that fixtures and decor in your home are updated. Making sure to present your home in the best possible light can make a huge impact on the potential buyer. Here are some detailed techniques for effectively staging your home for a successful sale:
1. Entice buyers from the curb.
Buyers who are coming to view a home are likely to make decisions about a house from the minute they view it from the outside- this includes the front lawn/yard, windows, walkway and even the front door. Make sure that these areas are properly cared for and updated with details like a power-washed patio or walkway, no weeds growing and a neutral, inviting color for the front door and exterior of the home.
2. Make it sparkly clean
Mop, dust, vacuum, pay attention to cleaning baseboards and windows, cupboards, under the sinks, closets, laundry area, and every area of your home that you can think of. Buyers will want to open every door, and inspect every inch!
3. Remove clutter
This goes hand-in-hand with cleaning. Making sure to eliminate clutter in the home improves the way a buyer will perceive the entire space.
4. Depersonalize the home
This step is very important when it comes to the potential that a buyer will see in a living space. Remove personal items from your home like photos, awards, religious adornments or anything associated with religious or spiritual beliefs and practices, knick-knacks, your children's art, and collectibles. Neutral art and decorations are best when staging a home for sale. The idea is to make the space feel welcoming, without feeling like there is already personality assigned to the house.
5. Paint is important
Neutralize strong paint colors for the best overall appeal to buyers. It is easy to brighten up a home with a simple coat of paint. Make sure to stick to neutral tones; this allows the buyer to envision what the room looks like in its most natural state. Good paint color choices are: white, cream, soft greens or beige. Any color that is muted or toned down is preferred.