16 Secrets to Staging
If you've made the decision to sell your home, you likely want to do it right. Make sure you put your best foot forward by staging your home to sell and sell quickly. Properly staging your home can highlight its strengths and down-play its weaknesses, resulting in more interested buyers.
1. Depersonalize
According to Page and Radice, one of the simplest ways to sell your home is to put away personal items. You want your home to show like a model, removing photos can minimize distractions and help buyers imagine themselves in your space.
2. De-clutter
Keep surfaces clear of any clutter. If possible, minimize the amount of furniture in the home. When professional stagers prepare homes for the market, they often remove as much as half of the owner’s furniture.
3. Keep Storage area’s clear
Storage is important to buyers. They will want to open closets and cupboards. Be sure these areas are clear and clean.
4. Spruce up your bathroom
A small or outdated bathroom can be quickly and economically upgraded. Ugly tiled walls? Instead of replacing them, which can get very pricey, paint them. First coat the tiles with a high-adhesion primer. Then, brush on a special ceramic epoxy covering.
5. Furniture Placement
Though you may think pushing sofas against the walls will create a larger looking room, its actually the opposite. Float your furniture away from walls, and create a cozy lay out.
6. Mind your animals, and their smell
If you’re showing your house, it’s important to have your furry friends out of the way. A potential buyer may have an allergy or a fear of your beloved pets. Additionally, make sure unwanted pet orders don’t ruin a first impression. Clean thoroughly and be sure to leave your home smelling fresh.
7. Use light to create a warm & inviting home
Aim for 100 watts for every 50 square feet. Try to include all three types of lighting: ambient (general or overhead), task (pendant, under-cabinet, or reading) and accent (table and wall).
8. Give a single purpose to your multi-use rooms
Don’t confuse buyers with your office /yoga studio/den. Choose one purpose, decorate accordingly, and allow the space to shine.
9. Quickly hide wood paneling
Shabby and outdated wood paneling can be unsightly. Instead of ripping it out, cover it. Use wood filler to create a seamless wall, then paint it a light neutral color.
10. DIY floor improvements
Hardwood flooring is a huge plus, but if it’s old and worn, it may have buyers seeing dollar signs. Isolate broken pieces, remove and replace them. Rent a sander from your local hardware store and give your floors a good sanding. Remove all sawdust and then stain the wood. Make sure to wear protective gear throughout the entire process. It is also wise to test the stain in an inconspicuous area before treating the entire floor.
11. Add freshness to that worn patio
Red brick patios can be freshened up with paint, water, and a sponge. Here’s how: Step 1: roll a light coat of paint onto the bricks. Step 2 : gently spray them with water. Step 3: Before they dry, dab them with a sponge or cloth to give an outdoor look.
12. Highlight your built-ins
Buyer’s love the charm and character that built in book shelves provide. Instead of cluttering these selling points, show them off. Use neutral items clustered closely together, making sure no one item stands out. This will draw attention to the shelves, not your personal belongings.
13. Give your deck a face lift
By sanding and staining your wood deck a light color, you’ll quickly add life to your deck. By furnishing it for entertainment, you create a sense of added space.
14. Create Curb Appeal
Color is your friend when thinking about curb appeal. Walkway pavers can be brought back to life with stone sealer. While planting vibrant flowers in bloom can drastically change the look of your home.
15. Stainless Steel Sells
But stainless steel also costs. You can create the look without the cost by resurfacing your appliances. By removing the cover of your old dishwasher, cleaning it, and applying a stainless-steel stick on covering (cut to size), you create an ultra-modern look for under $30-.
16. Make your small bathroom look bigger
Large vanities in small bathrooms cover a great deal of space. A simple pedestal sink can show off square footage beautifully. You’ll be amazed by how this change increases the amount of floor space in your small space.