Staging a home for sale is an important step in selling your house, particularly if you are selling on your own. It involves preparing the home to be shown to potential buyers in a way that highlights its best features and makes it more appealing. By staging your home, you can help it stand out from other properties on the market, increase its perceived value, and make it more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price.
In this section, we will delve into the key elements of effectively staging your home for sale. So, keep reading to learn more about the proper way to stage your home before putting it on the market.
How to Stage a Home By Yourself
If you’re considering selling your home without the assistance of a realtor, the DIY option can be a great way to save money while also ensuring that your property is presented in the best possible light. This approach requires a combination of repairs, home design, and cleaning. Let’s take a closer look at these tips and more below.
View the House Through a Buyer’s Eyes
First and foremost, step back and take a fresh look at the property. Imagine that you are a potential buyer and try to see the home through their eyes. This means looking at the property objectively and identifying any areas that may be less appealing or could be improved upon.
It’s also important to consider the overall flow and functionality of the home. For example, is the layout of the rooms practical and easy to navigate? Are there any areas that feel cramped? By addressing these issues, you can help buyers envision themselves living in the home and make it more likely that they will make an offer.
Give the Home a Thorough Cleaning
A home that is in tip-top shape sends a message to potential buyers that it has been well-maintained. To achieve this, you should thoroughly clean every inch of the house, from the floors to the ceilings and everything in between. Consider hiring a professional cleaner for a session, that way you know the work is being done properly, and you can focus on other aspects of preparing your home for sale.Â
For example, even if you don’t have new appliances in the kitchen, ensure that the ones you have are in immaculate condition. Similarly, in the bathrooms, pay attention to even the smallest details, such as the corners of the tub, sink drain, and behind the toilet.Â
- Scrub counter tops
- Mop floors
- Clean sofas & chairs
- Remove all dust and stains
- Clean windows
Check for Repairs or Maintenance
Before putting your home on the market, it’s important to inspect the property for any repairs or maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. This includes checking for leaks, cracks in the walls or foundation, and worn or outdated fixtures. Additionally, it’s important to check for issues with the home’s systems, such as the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Not only can these issues affect the home’s appeal to potential buyers, but they can also be used as negotiating leverage during the sale process. It is better to repair or replace what you can prior to listing the home for sale, to avoid any potential headaches with buyers and inspections down the line.Â
Remove Clutter
Clutter can be a significant obstacle when it comes to selling your home. It can draw attention away from the property’s best features and create the illusion of limited space. To remedy this, take the time to declutter and organize your home.
During this step it’s wise to pack away items that you don’t regularly use, such as personal decorations, games, papers, and clothes that are only worn during specific seasons. Additionally, it’s a good idea to hide valuable items that you may not want to keep out during showings and open houses.
Depersonalize
Creating a neutral environment that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there is essential. One way to accomplish this is by removing personal items such as family photos, keepsakes, and refrigerator art. This will help them to focus on the home’s features and imagine themselves living there. This also helps with clutter, and will give the home a more staged vibe than having potential buyers attempting to imagine themselves in the home while you have photos of your friends and family everywhere.Â
Choose a Neutral Paint Color
One of the most effective ways to create a neutral environment when preparing to sell your home is to paint the walls in a neutral color. Neutral colors, such as beige, gray, and white, have a timeless appeal and can help to create a sense of calm and serenity throughout the home. They are also versatile and can complement various furniture styles and decor.
When choosing a neutral color for your walls, consider the lighting in your home, as well as the overall style of the property. For example, a pale gray can work well in a room with natural light, while a warm beige may be more suitable in a room with limited light. It’s also important to ensure that the color you choose complements your home’s existing woodwork and flooring.
Define Rooms
Find ways to create a sense of purpose for each room of the home and make sure that every inch of space is used effectively. This will help buyers see the home’s potential and envision how they can utilize the square footage.
One way to achieve this is by defining a single purpose for each room, such as turning a finished attic into an office or a finished basement into an entertainment room. This way, even if the buyer doesn’t plan on using the room for the same purpose, you’ll make it clear that every inch of the home is usable space, including alcoves, window seats, corners, and breakfast nooks.Â
Adjust Furniture If Needed
In terms of furniture, you want to avoid overcrowding any of the rooms with large pieces of furniture. The buyers need space to be able to comfortably walk around each room, but will also want to envision their own furniture in the space. If able, you may want to look into local donation companies that will come remove furniture you no longer need / want in order to better stage the property. These services are free to you, while also serving a good cause to the community.Â
The Home’s Exterior
Creating a strong curb appeal is crucial when selling your home, as it can heavily impact a buyer’s first impression and even determine their interest in viewing the inside of the house. To ensure that your home’s exterior and entryway make a lasting impression, it’s important to focus on maintaining the lawn, hedges, trees, and other plants by keeping them neatly pruned and free of weeds. If possible, power wash the exterior of the home, which can make it look almost freshly painted but with less effort and expense.
Additionally, wash exterior windows thoroughly as dirty glass does not show well. Ensure that the sidewalks leading up to the house are clear and clean, and buy new doormats for the front and back doors. If you have a pool, showcase it by making it crystal clear. Moreover, creating an outdoor living space in the backyard, such as a deck or patio with outdoor furniture, is another way to use the exterior of your home to its greatest advantage.
If you are selling a vacant property or one you do not go to often, you may want to hire a lawn maintenance crew to come by and cut / de-weed the lawn each week. This way, you know your property is maintaining the best exterior design possible.Â
Final Touches
As you near the final stages of preparation for an open house or showing, make sure to add a few last-minute touches that will make the home seem warm and inviting. Add fake flowers throughout the rooms, put neutral decorations to liven up the space, and plush towels in the bathrooms. These little details can make a big difference in creating an inviting atmosphere that can help to seal the deal.
Staging and Repairs: Closing Thoughts
In summary, staging and addressing repairs before listing your home without the help of a realtor is crucial to the sale’s success. Creating a neutral, clutter-free environment and addressing any repairs or maintenance issues can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale.