by Jodi Tollefson, Past President | 27 Sep, 2022
Preparing your home to list in any real estate market is one of the most important steps to catch the eye of future buyers. But knowing how to do it - and do it correctly requires a lot of work.
Here's how you should be staging your home when it's time to sell.
What Is Home Staging?
Staging is a way of visually improving your home when it comes time to sell. This includes interior and exterior spaces.
You might be saying, "my house is a beautiful and welcoming home." And that's probably true. But home staging isn't just about your personal style. Staging a home allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
Staging also makes your home appear move-in ready compared to something that will take time to move out of.
It is more important than ever in today's competitive market where tech savvy buyers are scrolling through pictures to rule your home in or out. Online is your first showing, did you make a great first impression? You only get one.
Why Home Staging is Important
Selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions you can make. You don't want to settle for a lower selling price because of a few misplaced decorations or coffee tables.
Staging a home can mean faster offers, higher offers, and less contingencies.
Think of staging as "pre-packing" for the move. Anything that is seasonal, not being used, or can be reduced, should be boxed up and moved somewhere else.
Sometimes this is quick and easy with smaller items, pictures from walls, and other knick knacks. But sometimes it requires removing large furniture and items that obstruct the flow of your home or doesn't photograph well in the space.
The key here is to showcase your home's amenities and not your personal stuff.
Home Staging Tips
Start by Cleaning
Keeping your home spotless is an absolute must when it comes time to sell. Nobody wants to tour a home with dirty dishes in the sink and a smelly garbage can.
Improve Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, so make sure your home's curb appeal is top-notch. Some upgrades can be made in a weekend of manual labor and hard work, while others might require expensive updates.
Focus on the Kitchen
Everyone knows - the kitchen sells the house. Organizing your pantry area and taking off your refrigerator magnets will go a long way towards making your kitchen look impressive. This is especially true for smaller kitchens.
Declutter Every Room
This includes excess furniture that messes with the visual flow of a space. Just because your favorite recliner is a must for your living room doesn't mean a prospective buyer will like it. Make sure you can access the best features of your house like a fireplace or a window that overlooks the yard.
Depersonalize Your Space
Family pictures are nice, but it's hard to visualize yourself in a home with someone else's grandma on the wall. This goes for unique artwork as well. It's best to keep everything generic so the space can speak for itself.
Show Off Your Storage Space
Remember that clutter we mentioned earlier? Yeah, don't stick it into the closet. Storage space is often one of the biggest selling points of a home. Make sure all your storage space is well organized and accessible to prospective buyers.
Trust a REALTOR®
Your REALTOR® will advise you every step of the way on how to best prepare your home prior to listing. REALTORS® are the professionals. They know what buyers are looking for, what shows well online, and how to best communicate that through marketing.
Staging a home requires a ton of planning. But you're in luck! Teaming up with a REALTOR® makes everything a whole lot easier.
Jodi Tollefson
Past President, FM REALTORS®
Beyond Realty, Inc.
