There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to properly display the true character and the potential of a house that’s been recently put on sale. Thankfully, Nan and Company Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate is giving you tips on how to ensure that your house sells itself.

Staging a house helps buyers imagine themselves living in it. This shouldn’t be just another box you check on your long To-Do list. Staging a home is the strategic arranging of decor for the purpose of ensuring that buyers are able to see the potential in the house you’re selling. The first step in being successful in your endeavors is getting a firm grip of exactly why you’re staging your house.

 

1. Plan Ahead

Know your why! A well-staged home will determine how quickly your home gets taken off the market.  In their 2019 Home Staging Survey Analysis, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) discovered that 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. 25% of buyer’s agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between 1% and 5%. With so much emphasis put on the appearance of houses on the market, it’s safe to say that refreshing your own belongings or renting furniture/decor is a worthwhile investment.

 

2. Get Rid of Clutter

Probably the most important part of the process, our second tip on our Staging Made Easy list would be to get rid of clutter. Anything that makes it harder for a potential buyer to visualize themselves in your home needs to go immediately. More space equals more money, so get a jump start now on finding ways to increase the space in all the staged rooms in your home.

 

 

3. Focus on the Important Rooms

Staging a home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money if done strategically. If furnishing your whole house is not an option, decorate the rooms that will give you a great return on investment. The NAR survey found the living room to be the most crucial space to stage. Next would be the kitchen followed by the master bedroom. These rooms should be the most aesthetically pleasing in terms of telling a story.

 

 

4. Turn up the Lights

There’s no point in spending loads of money on beautiful furniture if no one can see it properly, right? Increase the amount of light in each room by bringing in light from various sources. Open the blinds before each showing, dust the light fixtures/replace the ones that need to be updated, lastly, change the bulbs from the typical yellow light to a more natural light. The livelier a room, the better it makes the buyer feel about potentially seeing the entire place like home.

5. Revamp or Replace Fixtures

 

Replacing fixtures can get expensive quickly so finding ways to revamp your fixtures is a more realistic alternative if you’re staging a home on a budget. Brighten worn out cupboards with stain or paint. Replace outdated knobs and exposed hinges for a more contemporary appearance. Get rid of any rusted faucets or metal finishing! Remember that the main purpose of staging a home is to get the buyer to see themselves owning your home.

 

6. Group Your Furniture

Position couches, chairs, and tables away from walls. Create a cozy, intimate space perfect for having conversations with friends and family. Don’t crowd any one area, instead focus on making sure the focal point of the room is balanced.

 

 

7. Clean! Clean! Clean!

When trying to sell a house, there’s no such thing as cleaning too much. A deep and thorough clean makes the home attractive to buyers and gives off the impression that the house has been well-maintained. Remove even the faintest odors and ask friends to give it the sniff test after you’re done scouring everything.

 

 

8. Improve Your Curb Appeal

Finally, make sure you don’t get kicked to the curb early in the game. First impressions are everything, make sure your house stands out to buyers by crossing these important tasks off your list.

• Trim grass
• Pull weeds
• Clip shrubs
• Prune trees
• Apply a layer of fresh mulch on garden beds
• Clean porches and decks — and possibly stain or paint them
• Clean your windows
• Make sure your house number is easy to read
• Put a welcome mat and potted plants on your front stoop
• If you have a porch, include outdoor furniture (if possible)

Paint the front door in a strong yet reasonable color that complements your home’s exterior. Remove porch clutter/ old furniture and keep your porch decor minimal.

 

Top things off with minimal furnishings and you’re done! Fresh flowers in vases, a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, or folded towels in the bathroom makes all the difference. If you or your client is living in the home while selling, try keeping your nice extras stored away properly in a closet so they’re ready to go quickly when a buyer calls to schedule a walkthrough.

 

As usual, Nan and Company Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate is your top source for all things real estate. With these staging tips, we’re sure you’ll have your home looking gorgeous and ready to be sold in no time!