When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. And in today’s competitive real estate market, potential buyers are looking for more than just a house – they want a lifestyle. This is where home staging comes into play. Home staging involves making strategic changes to the interior and exterior of a house in order to make it more appealing to potential buyers. This could mean decluttering and organizing, rearranging furniture, and adding decorative touches. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of home staging and share some effective techniques to help you get your home ready to impress potential buyers.
Importance of Home Staging
The main goal of home staging is to showcase the best features of a home and create an emotional connection with potential buyers. It can be the difference between a quick sale at or above asking price, or a long listing with little interest from buyers. Here are some reasons why home staging is essential:
Attracts More Buyers
In today’s digital age, most buyers start their home search online. This means that the first impression of your home is often through photos. A well-staged home will stand out among the sea of listings and attract more potential buyers. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 77% of buyers say that viewing a staged home makes it easier to visualize the property as their future home.
Increases Perceived Value
Home staging is all about creating a desirable lifestyle and showcasing the full potential of a home. By decluttering, organizing, and using attractive decor, it can help increase the perceived value of a property. This can lead to higher offers and a quicker sale.
Reduces Time on Market
Homes that are professionally staged typically sell faster than those that are not. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are staged before going on the market sell 73% faster than those that are not staged. This means less time and money spent on carrying costs such as mortgage payments, utilities, and maintenance.
Increases Sales Price
In addition to selling faster, staged homes also tend to sell for more money. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, the average staging investment is between 1-3% of the home’s asking price, but it can lead to an increase in sales price of 8-10%. This means that for a $500,000 house, investing $5,000-$15,000 in staging could potentially result in a sale price of $540,000-$550,000.
Decluttering and Organizing
One of the first things a home stager will recommend is decluttering and organizing the space. Cluttered and messy spaces can make a home feel smaller and can be distracting to potential buyers. Here are some tips for effectively decluttering and organizing your home:
Start with a Plan
Before diving into decluttering, it’s important to have a plan in place. Decide which areas of your home need the most attention and set a timeline for when you want to have everything done. You can also break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to make the process less overwhelming.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Items
The key to decluttering is to get rid of items that are not essential or do not serve a purpose. This can include old magazines, unused kitchen gadgets, and clothes that no longer fit. If you come across items that are still in good condition, consider donating them or having a yard sale.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s important to find a place for everything. Investing in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and shelves can help keep your belongings organized and out of sight. This is especially important for items that you use on a daily basis, such as kitchen appliances or toiletries.
Organize Closets and Cabinets
Potential buyers will often open closets and cabinets to see how much storage space a home has. Make sure these areas are well-organized and clutter-free. Consider using storage solutions such as shelf dividers, hanging organizers, and labeled bins to maximize space and create a neat appearance.
Keep Counters and Surfaces Clear
In the kitchen and bathrooms, make sure to clear off counters and surfaces of any unnecessary items. This will give the illusion of more counter space and make the room feel larger. Keep only essential items on display, such as a few decorative pieces or a fresh vase of flowers.
Lighting and Color Scheme
Lighting and color can play a significant role in the overall feel and ambiance of a home. A well-lit and visually appealing space can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. Here are some tips for using lighting and color to your advantage:
Let in Natural Light
Natural light is highly valued by potential buyers, so make sure to open up curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If your home lacks natural light, consider investing in artificial lighting such as floor lamps or track lights to brighten up darker areas.
Use the Right Color Palette
When staging your home, it’s important to use colors that are neutral and appeal to a wide range of buyers. Neutral colors such as whites, grays, and beiges can help make a room feel larger and more inviting. Avoid bright or bold colors, as they may not appeal to everyone.
Add Accent Colors
While neutral colors should be the main palette, adding pops of accent colors can add visual interest to a space. This can be achieved through throw pillows, rugs, artwork, or small decorative pieces. Just make sure to keep the accents cohesive and not too overwhelming.
Layer Lighting
Layering lighting can add depth and create ambiance in a room. This can be achieved by using a combination of overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. For example, in a living room, you can have an overhead light, a table lamp for task lighting, and a floor lamp for accent lighting.
Furniture Placement
Proper furniture placement is crucial in making a space feel open and functional. Here are some tips to consider when arranging furniture during the home staging process:
Use a Focal Point
Every room should have a focal point – a feature that draws the eye and makes a room feel cohesive. In a living room, this could be a fireplace or a large window with a view. Arrange furniture around the focal point to create a natural flow in the room.
Create Conversational Areas
When arranging furniture, think about how people will move and interact in the space. Instead of pushing all furniture against the walls, create conversational areas by grouping furniture together. This will make the room feel more inviting and functional.
Don’t Block Walkways
Make sure to leave enough space for people to comfortably walk through a room. Avoid placing furniture in a way that creates obstacles or makes the room feel cramped. This is especially important in smaller spaces.
Scale Matters
When choosing furniture for your home, make sure to consider the scale of the room. A large sectional may look great in a spacious living room, but it could overwhelm a smaller space. Choose furniture that fits the room and leaves enough space to move around.
Curb Appeal
As potential buyers drive up to a home, the first thing they see is the exterior. This means curb appeal is just as important as the interior when it comes to home staging. Here are some ways to boost your home’s curb appeal:
Clean Up the Exterior
Start by giving the exterior of your home a good cleaning. This can include power washing the siding, cleaning windows, and sweeping the front porch. This will instantly give your home a fresh and well-maintained appearance.
Add Colorful Plants
Adding some greenery and pops of color to the front of your home can make a big difference. Plant some flowers in flower beds or add potted plants near the front door. Just make sure to choose plants that are low-maintenance and will thrive in your climate.
Update Your Front Door
The front door is often the focal point of a home’s exterior, so make sure it looks inviting. Consider giving it a fresh coat of paint, adding a new welcome mat, and updating the hardware. These small changes can make a big impact.
Make Repairs
Walk around the exterior of your home and make note of any repairs that need to be done. This could include fixing cracks in the driveway, repairing fences, or replacing broken light fixtures. These small repairs can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.
Final Touches and Details
Once you’ve decluttered, organized, and staged the main areas of your home, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. These small details can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Here are some final touches to consider:
Add Fresh Flowers or Plants
Fresh flowers or plants can add life and color to a room. They also have a way of making a space feel more inviting and lived-in. Place a bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining table or a potted plant on a windowsill.
Use Soft Textures
Incorporating different textures into a room can make it feel more cozy and inviting. This can be achieved through throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and curtains. Stick to soft and neutral tones to keep the overall look cohesive.
Incorporate Artwork
Artwork can add personality to a space and help potential buyers visualize themselves living in the home. Choose pieces that are appropriate for each room and make sure to hang them at eye level.
Set the Mood with Scents
A pleasant scent can evoke positive emotions and create a welcoming atmosphere. Consider using candles, diffusers, or air fresheners with scents like vanilla, lavender, or citrus. Just make sure not to use anything too overpowering.
Tips for DIY Home Staging
If hiring a professional home stager is not within your budget, there are still ways to effectively stage your home on your own. Here are some tips for DIY home staging:
Start with a Deep Clean
Before you begin staging, make sure your home is sparkling clean. This means cleaning every nook and cranny, from baseboards to ceiling fans. A clean home will make a better first impression on potential buyers.
Eliminate Personal Items
While it’s important to add some personal touches to make your home feel lived-in, it’s also important to remove any personal items that could be distracting to potential buyers. This includes family photos, religious decor, and overly personalized artwork.
Rearrange Furniture
As mentioned earlier, proper furniture placement can make a big difference in how a room looks and feels. Take some time to rearrange furniture to create functional and inviting spaces. You can also borrow furniture from other rooms if needed.
Use Natural Light
Open up curtains and blinds to let in natural light. This can make a room feel brighter and more spacious. If you have dark or heavy curtains, consider replacing them with lighter ones to maximize natural light.
Keep It Neutral
Neutral colors appeal to most people, so stick to a neutral color palette when staging your home. This will help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Avoid bright or bold colors, as they may not appeal to everyone.
Hiring a Professional Home Stager
While DIY staging can be effective, there are certain benefits to hiring a professional home stager. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider hiring a professional:
Expertise and Experience
Professional home stagers have the expertise and experience to know what buyers are looking for and how to make a home stand out. They also have access to furniture, decor, and accessories that can elevate the look of a home.
Objective Perspective
As a homeowner, it can be difficult to see your home objectively. A professional home stager can provide an unbiased perspective and make recommendations that will appeal to potential buyers.
Time and Convenience
Staging a home requires a lot of time and effort. Hiring a professional can take this burden off your shoulders and give you more time to focus on other aspects of the selling process. It can also be convenient, as the home stager will take care of all the details.
Higher Return on Investment
While there is a cost associated with hiring a professional, it can lead to a higher return on investment. As mentioned earlier, staged homes tend to sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time, making the cost of staging well worth it.
Conclusion
Home staging can be a crucial step in the selling process. By decluttering and organizing, adding strategic lighting and color, arranging furniture, boosting curb appeal, and paying attention to details, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will appeal to potential buyers. Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, investing in home staging can lead to a quicker sale and a higher return on investment. So follow these tips and get your home ready to impress!