A clean home is NOT a staged home. A decorated home is NOT a staged home. How you live in a home and how you sell a home are two entirely different things. A staged home tells a story. It invites homebuyers in and makes them never want to leave. They linger and imagine what their life would be like if they lived in your home. They imagine themselves hosting the perfect dinner party or relaxing in the backyard watching the sunset. Your home is so dreamy they cannot stop thinking about it!
So, why is it so hard for homeowners to stage their home when they get ready to sell? Because a staged home is not how we live. Although it would be nice to live in a model home with no clutter and everything in its place, it’s not realistic. Plus, it takes the personal touch that makes the home yours to a more neutral space that will appeal to more people.
1. Declutter
Declutter, declutter, and declutter so more. Especially if you want to get top dollar for your home. Pack all your family photos – I cannot stress this enough how distracting this is for buyers. If you want someone to come into your space and picture themselves living in your home, remove the distractors like family photos. Buyers do not have the capacity to look beyond your personal belongings.
2. Clear Countertops
Clear countertops of everything! I mean everything. Bathrooms and kitchens need to be completely clear of everyday clutter. Maybe the coffee pot and a staged accent piece or two, but that’s it. Toaster, dish soap, sponge, dishtowels, all the everyday things need to be put away and out of site.
Don’t overlook the bathrooms spaces like the shower or tub. Toothbrush, soap, shampoos, and other daily used items need to be stored neatly away.
3. Clean Bookshelves & Tables
Clear knick-knacks from bookshelves, end tables, night-stands, and dressers. Think of a model home and how every space draws your attention with decorative items carefully placed to create a story. If you’re not sure how to decorate end tables and bookshelves, a professional stager can help.
4. Clean Out Closets
Clean out closets! Yes, as much as we do not like to think of people opening our medicine cabinets and closets, they will definitely check out those areas as well. Put yourself in a buyers position. What were you looking for when you were shopping for a new home? Did you care about the storage space in a home? Well the buyers looking at your home are asking the same questions about your home. And if they see a closet jam packed with stuff, they will leave thinking your home doesn’t have enough storage space – no matter how big the closet.
5. To Paint or Not to Paint
Should I paint or just let the new buyer pick the color they want? I get this question almost at every listing appointment and the answer depends on a couple things. First, depends on the colors you have selected for your home. Are they neutral or very specific to your decor? Are the walls and baseboards looking a little rough with dirt and dings? Anything you can do to increase the value of your home will be money well spent.
6. Furniture Placement
Once you have cleared your home of knick-knacks and everyday items, it’s time to talk about furniture placement. The way you arrange your furniture to live is NOT how you stage a home. A professional home stager knows how to place furniture to create a space that feels more spacious, deflect from character flaws in a room, and bring purpose to areas in a home that buyers aren’t sure how to use them.
Final Words on Staging Your Home
Is staging a home a lot of work? Yes, it is! But just like we’ve heard over and over – “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” And the same goes for your home. Is it a huge undertaking? Yes, it is! Will it pay off in the end? Yes, it will! Look at it this way, you’re moving, right? Start early, get a head start on packing, and increase the value of your home at the same time. In the end, you will be happy you took the extra measures to get the most out of one of the biggest investments you have, your home.
Staging Included
If this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. It is a lot of work and the reason why I can help with staging. It’s one of the investments I make to help you market your home, so you get top dollar for your home. If you’re thinking about selling your home, contact me. I’m here to help you from start to finish. Feel free to use the form below to contact me!
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