Think about the purchaser’s end goal
The first thing you’ll want to do is think about who your potential buyers may be, and what they may be looking for in a home. After all, your end goal is to leave — so staging decisions shouldn’t be based on your own personal preference. Is your audience looking to upsize, downsize or start a family? Are your home and property both pet-friendly? Is your home close to parks, schools, businesses, or other amenities? If you can, fine-tune your decor to meet their needs.
Hire a professional photographer
Online photos can make or break a first impression for prospective buyers, which is why they’re incredibly important for staging. If you’re working with a Realtor, they will usually handle this on your behalf as they understand the importance of marketing your home in the most effective way. Photos are one of the first things people will look at, the photos need to encourage people to want to see more.
Add a fresh coat of paint
You would be surprised how much paint fades and wears down over the years. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to breathe life back into your living space. Regardless of whether you keep the same colours or choose new ones, consider repainting the inside and outside of your home. Don’t forget the doors, windows, and trim!
Put a focus on curb appeal
It’s equally as important to keep the outside of your home as well-kept as the inside. Ideally, your home can catch the eye of buyers who drive by just as well as those who are online. Focus on porch decor and garden care. Aerate, dethatch and rake well during the months when leaves fall. Fertilize and water your lawn frequently and consistently.
Brighten your home as much as possible
Make sure to draw back curtains, blinds, and anything else that’s obstructing natural light from entering your home. If your lighting fixtures are out of date, consider replacing them. It not only looks nicer but also improves how the living spaces feel. Look into some outdoor lighting options if you haven’t, as they can set a beautiful ambiance.
The “Don’ts” of Staging
Don’t personalize your spaces
Since your goal is appealing to buyers, you want to make sure that any personal items or photographs are removed from the space. It’s difficult for buyers to imagine themselves living in your home if your personal touch is still present. On the other hand, try not to oversimplify the spaces to the point where they’re boring or bland.
Don’t clutter your living spaces
Make sure that you declutter your home decor as much as possible. Small objects and decorations should be put away to open up the space and bring focus to the home. If you’re having a hard time decluttering a certain room, try removing the smallest or most insignificant piece in the room one at a time until you’re satisfied with the result.
Don’t leave the floors bare
Consider using rugs in rooms where the floor is otherwise bare. Don’t overdo it though as spaces can easily become cluttered.
Don’t decorate seasonally
If you decorate seasonally, it can look bad when you’re trying to sell later on in the year. If you’re still trying to sell in July and the photos of your home contain the autumn leaves, prospective buyers may steer clear as they won’t know the full story behind why your home hasn’t sold
Any further questions?
If you have any more questions about home staging, feel free to reach out. We’ll be glad to help!