Spring is knocking on the door, and with it comes the start of the real estate market boom.
But if you want to sell your house quickly and for top dollar, a coat of paint and a good cleaning simply aren’t enough nowadays to make that buyer jump.
To inspire that crucial fantasy element that persuades a buyer to choose your home over the next, you’ve got to romance him or her…presentation is everything! Read on for essential home staging tips guaranteed to raise the bar and put your home above the rest.
DETACH
Especially if you’ve lived there a long time, it’s hard, but essential to let go and think of your house objectively, and as a product on a shelf.
Everyone thinks their home is unique, special, and likely one-of-a-kind in some way or another—you want to showcase the home in the best light possible, just not with personal perception.
DEPERSONALIZE
The key here is to feature the bones of the house and what it has to offer potential buyers, not the family trip to Disney, or any other over-amalgamation of personal expression.
It may seem a little extreme, but the bottom lines is you want buyers to visualize themselves living here, not feel as though they’re intruding on your personal space. Remove trophies, children’s artwork, collections, religious artifacts, and most of the family pictures, allowing the house to simply breathe and affording your buyer the opportunity to envision this as their new home.
DECLUTTER
After taking out personal mementos and family items, remove over-flow furniture and accessories; rooms that are pared down feel bigger, and also allow the buyer to imagine their furniture in the space.
It’s true that over 85 per cent of homebuyers can’t see past initial impressions, meaning homes filled with knick knacks, room-crowding furniture and even heavy drapery will stop a buyer from mentally envisioning what ‘could be,’ leaving them to get caught up with ‘what is.’
Spaces should feel delicately lived in, but not bare—homes that have zero furniture or decor in them rarely show well in comparison: Have just enough gracing your spaces to show buyers the home is livable and comfy.
NEUTRALIZE
Here’s a little secret: The reason great hotel design works is that it appeals to a wide set of tastes. So too should your décor. Bold red and gold walls may be great for you, but could turn off a potential buyer. Stick to simple and light earth tones, and go easy on the accents. A little pop of fresh colour here and there can be inspiring, but remember the old adage of less is more. It won’t fail you here.
CLEAN AS A WHISTLE
Whether done by professionals or yourself, nothing—not even fresh paint—will yield you a higher return on your investment than a good top-to-bottom cleaning.
This goes far beyond a thorough dusting and vacuuming. Wash windows inside and out, wash cupboard doors front and back, get your floors gleaming, and have furniture and carpets cleaned. A tip that packs a huge punch: Nothing is more disdaining than ratty old linens, stained pillows, or worn out sofa blankets. Spend a few dollars and opt for crisp white duvet covers, fresh and fun toss pillows and soft, silky throws.
SHOWING YOUR HOME
On the days of your open houses, bring in fresh flowers, light a scented, but not overly fragrant—candle, and put a bowl of vibrant lemons or limes out on the kitchen counter.
Turn on all the lights—even if it’s sunny out, and make sure all doors in the home, even the bathroom door, are open.
Most importantly, tidy up all evidence of your family’s recent occupation.
