When you list your home for sale, you want to give it the best chance of appealing to buyers and standing out from the competition. Putting it out there “as-is” probably won’t achieve either.
To make sure your home makes a positive impression on buyers, include these 5 things that go a long way in helping it stand out from others on the market.
What Your Home Needs to Appeal to Buyers
Curb appeal
The first impression a buyer gets of a home is crucial. In some cases, if a buyer doesn’t like what they see from the driveway, they won’t even waste their time going inside. How they feel about the exterior sticks with them, affecting how they perceive every interior detail as well.
To start off on the right foot, curb appeal should be in its best shape possible. Maintain the lawn and landscaping, pressure-wash and clean surfaces, and give the home a fresh coat of paint if it’s due. Extra touches like a fresh welcome mat, potted plants and an American flag by the front door, and new light fixtures will set it apart from the competition.
Clean, uncluttered space
No one enjoys going into a home that is packed with clutter. Even if the home is clean, it won’t feel like it if there is too much "stuff" in each space. The first step to preparing your home’s interior for sale is to declutter and deep clean.
For a staged home, take the cleaning and decluttering to a next level beyond what you would do for a normal lived-in home. Put away personal items and family photos, neutralize the décor, and create as much space on the shelves and surfaces as possible. When it comes to cleaning, I recommend hiring a professional service to get your home spotless, even in the hard-to-reach places.
Plenty of light
The majority of buyers prefer a bright, open space because it looks large and inviting. Allow as much natural light in from the windows as possible by removing dark or dated window coverings and choosing treatments, such as light-colored sheer panels, that don’t block the light. Trim back trees that could be hindering the light from the outside and consider removing and storing window screens to let maximum light in.
If your home still doesn’t offer enough natural light, place some appealing lighting throughout the home to fill in dark corners and decorate with light, neutral colors. Other tricks like mirrors and reflective surfaces can bounce light to help out, too.
A welcoming vibe
To create that welcoming vibe in your home, make sure the décor is neutral so that it appeals to the widest number of buyers possible. Once it’s been decluttered and cleaned, add in soft touches like plush white bath towels, area rugs, throw pillows, and real or faux flowers.
Rooms with a clear purpose
Many buyers struggle to imagine how a space can be used without seeing examples in front of them. Rooms that are an odd shape or have multiple purposes can confuse buyers and make them feel like the space is wasted or won’t work for what they need.
To make sure there is no confusion, make sure every room in your home has one clear purpose. For example, portray the living room as only a living room (not a living room/playroom or living room/exercise room). Also, if you have extra space, such as a spare bedroom, loft or bonus room, choose one clear purpose and stage it as such based on what the buyers in your area will most likely be looking for.
Most homes don't require a complete presale renovation. By decluttering, cleaning, and working with the items you already own your home can appeal to buyers. Adding a few extras to give it a welcoming touch and high-end look will set it apart from the competition and bring a quick sale.
Staging Essentials
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