Staging Your Home To Sell

Staging your home is a critical step in the selling process that can significantly impact how quickly your home sells and the price you receive. The top-producing realtors in the industry have honed their staging techniques to perfection, ensuring their listings stand out in the competitive market. In this blog post, we’ll reveal the insider secrets and top tips these realtors use to stage homes effectively.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize:

One of the first steps in staging is to declutter and depersonalize your space. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, and this can be challenging if the space is filled with personal items and excess belongings.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal:

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, making curb appeal crucial. You’re going to want to properly trim large trees to expose the front of the home and make it more visible and create better curb appeal. You will also want to focus on the entry and first impressions. I share more about this on my listing appointments with my sellers.

3. Create a Neutral Palette:

Neutral colors appeal to a broader audience as they provide a blank canvas for buyers. Buyer’s need to envision themselves living there and they cannot do this with bright colors and tons of stuff on the walls as a distraction. They focus on that vs the actually seeing themselves living there.

Tip: Repaint walls in neutral tones like beige, gray, or soft white. These colors make rooms feel larger and more inviting.

4. Highlight Key Features:

Identify and emphasize the best features of your home, such as a fireplace, large windows, or unique architectural details. Share with your agent the top three things you will miss about your neighborhood or home!

• Tip: Arrange furniture to draw attention to these features, and ensure they are clean and in good condition, keeping in mind pet or other odors.

5. Let there be light:

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Light and bright will make a space appear larger and perk up the buyers outlook!

• Tip: Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Add ambient lighting with lamps and ensure all light fixtures are functional and have high-wattage bulbs.

6. Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms:

Kitchens and bathrooms are often deal-breakers for buyers. Simple updates and any repairs needed can make a big difference.

• Tip: Replace outdated hardware, add a fresh coat of paint to cabinets (or refinish), and ensure these spaces are spotless. Declutter and organize cabinets and drawers, and give it a deep clean inside and out of all areas of the kitchen and baths. Consider adding fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a touch of color.

7. Utilize Strategic Furniture Placement:

Proper furniture arrangement can make a room appear larger and more functional. I also recommend eliminating extra furniture you’re not using. You don’t want to fill up space on every wall. This is where I highly recommend hiring a professional stager.

• Tip: Avoid pushing all furniture against the walls. Instead, create cozy conversation areas and ensure there is a natural flow through the space.

8. Add Inviting Touches:

Small touches can make a home feel warm and welcoming, evoking those emotions buyers get when they see themselves living in a home. Think model house, have you ever toured one? if so, couldn’t you see yourself living there easier than possibly someones home you visited?

• Tip: Place fresh flowers, light scented non-toxic candles, (no plug ins!) and set the dining table with stylish dinnerware. These elements create a lifestyle buyers can aspire to.

9. Maintain a Clean and Fresh Environment:

A clean home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained.

• Tip: Deep clean every nook and cranny, including carpets, windows, and baseboards, ceiling fans, inside appliances and cabinets, OH and AC vents /return vents. The black stuff you see on those can be a huge turn off! Consider hiring professional cleaners for a thorough job. When I work with sellers I recommend they do a deep cleaning (move out cleaning) which includes all of the above and more.

• Bonus Tip: Change out your AC filter before showings!

10. Stage Outdoors Spaces:

Outdoor areas are extensions of the home and should not be overlooked. This is a space where people are spending more and more time especially here on the sunny Space Coast!

• Tip: Stage patios, decks, and balconies with furniture to showcase their potential as additional living spaces. Add potted plants and outdoor rugs for a cozy touch.

In conclusion, Staging your home effectively can make a significant difference in attracting buyers and securing top dollar for your property. It can effect the value by ten’s of thousands of dollars. By following these insider tips from a local top-producing realtor, you can present your home in the best possible light and stand out in a competitive market. If you are considering selling your home, download my sellers guide for even more tips!

Happy staging! - Megan