Selling your home? As a homeowner you want to make a favorable first impression on every buyer that walks into your home. Home staging is the practice of styling your home and furniture to make it more appealing. Most real estate agents agree that home staging is an investment and a critical step in the selling process. And having an edge over other comparable priced homes in the neighborhood isn’t going to hurt.
Since all sellers don’t take the extra time and effort to stage their homes, for those that do there are some clear advantages. Statistics show that staged homes spend less time on the market. But that’s not all. According to a 2019 study by the National Association of Realtors, home staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home. In addition, the study also states that 40 percent of buyers’ agents reported that home staging had a direct effect on the buyers’ view of the home.
The goal of home staging is to create a welcoming environment both inside and outside. Making a buyer feel comfortable while touring your home is essential. If hiring a professional isn’t financially feasible, grabbing a few tips from popular HGTV shows and blogs can get you on your way. Ready, get set, stage!
Devise a Home Staging Plan
Build in some time to get your home ready. It’s important not to rush. Assess those things that can use a little polish. Check out each room in your home. Experts advise to work on those rooms that will give you the most bang for your buck. Buyer’s focus on three main areas. It’s probably no surprise that they are the kitchen, master bathroom, and living room, respectively. After all, this is where we spend most of our time when at home. If you are working within a budget then these are the rooms where you should spend your allotted cash. Working from a priority list will keep you on task.
Curb Appeal Counts
A well-maintained outside appearance says you care. And it also gives buyers the impression that they can expect the same inside. Power wash and sweep sidewalks and front entrances. Also, clear flower beds of any weeds, trim and cut shrubs, add mulch to garden areas, and keep the lawn cut and maintained. For a fresh appearance plant new shrubbery or flowers. In the fall nothing says welcome more than a large planter filled with colorful mums. Other ways to refresh your exterior space include repainting the front door, updating any hardware or adding direct lighting to accentuate special areas such as a magnolia tree.
Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
Clutter can accumulate and grow especially if you have kids. Toys, games, books, sporting equipment and backpacks never seem to find their home base. Same goes for clothing, jackets, and shoes. Organization is key. Rather than putting things in drawers and closets to get them out of view, you’ll be more successful if you devise a plan. Storage bins with lids are great for storing toys, games and backpacks. Benches with underneath storage is the best of both worlds. They hide the clutter and are great decorating accent pieces. Kitchen countertops and desk tops are also culprits of holding excessive amounts of clutter. Doesn’t lose sight of the fact that you are moving. When decluttering there are a multitude of tips and tricks to get the job done right.
Freshen It Up
Portraying a clean, well-kept home will most likely lead to a quicker sale. Odors from lingering trash, dirty dishes and the night before fish dinners can be a turn off to buyers. Open the windows to let in fresh air or strategically place a diffuser or two with the same scent in different parts of your home. Don’t forget to patch, repair and repaint walls, fix leaky faucets and clean and paint baseboards, if necessary. Fresh flowers, succulents and plants does wonders to spruce up décor while adding a touch of natural elegance.
Keep Spaces Free of Personal Items
When staging it’s important to portray the spaces in your home as a place where anyone can set down roots. In other words, you need to take out those things that have made your house a home. Free walls, bed stands, coffee tables and bookcases of all family photos and knickknacks. You’ll also need to keep bathroom countertops clear and put away any personal care items such as toothbrushes, electrical razors and soaps. Clothes with a permanent home on a chair or floor should also be stored appropriately away.
Put Cars in the Garage
Before you open your home for viewing your cars need to be able to fit in the garage. If your garage does double duty as a storage area, then it’s time clean and organize it. After your garage reorganization if there’s still no room, it may be wise to rent a storage unit to temporarily store any miscellaneous garage and house items.
Searching for Your Dream Home?
Check out Travisso’s current list of move-in ready available homes today. Specifically built for today’s busy lifestyles they offer open concept floor plans, media and game rooms, and large gourmet kitchens and gathering areas that make entertaining super easy. In addition, Travisso offers gorgeous Texas Hill Country views, a family-friendly neighborhood and endless recreational possibilities for the entire family. For additional information call 512-243-8583.
