Some people will hire a professional home stager or an interior designer when they get their home ready to sell. You can do this if you want, but there are also several ways to improve your home staging without outsourcing the work to a professional. If you’re looking for a few quick and easy ways to help your home better stand out on the market, you have come to the right place. Put a few of these tips into practice, and you’ll be one step closer to getting better offers for your home when you decide it’s time to sell.
Take down personal pictures
This is one of the most popular open house tips for sellers, and for good reason. Nobody wants to walk into a home for a showing or an open house and feel like they are intruding on someone else’s space. These images can be hard for a buyer to shake even after the home becomes theirs. Remove all personal pictures before you hire a professional photographer or begin scheduling in-person showings. You should also remove any diplomas, kids’ sports trophies, or any other personal items that you have on display in your home.
Use scents to your advantage
Be careful not to go overboard here. Many buyers are smart enough to know that you’re trying to hide something if they see multiple air fresheners plugged into the wall in each room. Some buyers may even have sensitivities or allergies to strong smells. Choose to use herbs such as basil and rosemary to create a pleasant and calming atmosphere in your home. Pine and cedar are also excellent choices.
Fully clean and sanitize each room
You want your home to look and feel clean when a buyer walks in for a showing. If your home is cluttered and dirty, the buyer may assume that the property hasn’t been well cared for. Take time to clear out clutter from each room. Buyers don’t need to see all of your possessions inside the home. Instead, you want them to see how each room is functional and livable. You’re going to have to pack up all of your things before you move, so go ahead and get started as you think about how to best stage your home.
Set the kitchen table or island
Many buyers will first want to see your kitchen when they arrive at your home for a showing. Ideally, your kitchen should look like a place where a buyer could instantly walk in and begin to prepare a meal. It’s a good idea to set the kitchen table or island with plates, cups, and silverware. This will help buyers have an easier time imagining how it would look to sit down for a meal in the room.
Organize your cabinets and closets
Don’t assume a buyer won’t want to see the storage spaces inside your home. Buyers will often open closets and cabinets when looking at a home to get a better idea of how much room they will have to store their things. If your cabinets and closets are disorganized or overflowing, it can leave a bad taste in a buyer’s mouth. Make sure these spaces are neat and tidy before you have potential buyers come inside your home. This will help buyers have an easier time imagining how they could use the storage spaces themselves. It will also help your cabinets and closets appear larger.
Don’t push the furniture against the wall
Some people believe that rooms appear larger when the furniture is pushed all the way against the wall. This usually isn’t the case. Leave at least four feet between the wall and each piece of furniture. People will have an easier time walking through the room, especially if you’re hosting an open house with several families inside simultaneously. This will also help your rooms appear larger than they would otherwise.
Bring nature inside
Using natural components in your home staging can have a tremendous effect. One of the easiest ways to bring in nature is to open the curtains and blinds to allow more natural light to come inside. You can emphasize the effect of natural light by adding mirrors to your home. It’s also a good idea to leave out a potted plant or two. If you have some empty spaces on your shelves after taking down personal pictures, consider filling the space with some greenery.
Don’t forget about your curb appeal
Most of the tips you’ve learned about so far have to do with staging the interior of your home. It’s easy to forget how important it is to offer a strong curb appeal. First impressions are crucial when selling homes, and you can create a solid first impression by ensuring your home offers great curb appeal. Start by cutting your grass and making sure your flower beds don’t have any weeds. Consider adding a new porch light or painting your front door brighter. If you have space to put out a few chairs on your front porch, this can be another great way to attract positive attention from buyers.
Partner with Elise LoSasso
Elise LoSasso knows how to effectively stage a home to stand out on the market for Greenwood Village and Denver homes for sale. You’ll find her knowledge and expertise incredibly valuable as you think about how to get your home ready to put on the market. Elise cares deeply for her clients and works hard to help each person find the best deal when they list their home for sale. Reach out to Elise when you’re looking for someone who can help you prepare your home to go on the market.
