In order to sell your home fast and for the price you want, it has to look its best. Like they always say: you only get one chance to make a first impression. Staging your home for a sale will dramatically impact the buyer’s experience positively and increase the potential of great offers.
When a potential buyer enters your home for the first time, they are imagining it as their own. You want to show off all that is great and wonderful about your home, and staging will help bring the highlights to the forefront. Each room and area in the home needs to have a designated purpose and that purpose needs to be clear for the potential buyer. For example, is there a blank space in your home where you could place a desk and give a prospective buyer the sense that this area could be used as an office?
There needs to be a seamless transitions between areas and the overall style should aim to be neutral. Too many strong features, such as bold colours, or personal touches will be distracting. You should always aim to be warm and inviting, but at the same time offer opportunity for the buyer to feel like they can make it their own. Many stagers will suggest putting away the personal photos, for example, as buyers need to be able to envision themselves in the home and see the potential for putting their personal touch on the home.
Some sellers take on the staging process themselves, while others choose to consult a professional. Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefit of either option:
DIY
If you are going to add the title of “designer” to your DIY portfolio, it’s an instance where you will need to approach the task with a certain sense of objectivity in order to succeed with your home staging. Ask your realtor for advice and if there is anything that he or she might suggest you change. The biggest tip you need to keep in mind is that it needs to be clean and welcoming, but also maintain a sense of neutrality. Those personal items that you may love might not appeal to everyone. Focusing on cleaning and de-cluttering your home prior to a sale will be the most pivotal aspect of the staging process. From there, take a look at some designer blogs or pick up a magazine for some inspiration when it comes to the final touches.
Go with the Pro
There are a lot of benefits to hiring a professional stager prior to putting your home on the market. Not only do they have years of experience with staging a variety of different homes (and oftentimes have taken design courses or certifications), but they also have the objective insight. They also have access to the staging essentials, such as modern furnishings and art. You spend every day in your home and having someone from the outside with the specialized eye for design and who knows what it takes to get your home staged specifically for a sale. Many homeowners opt for hiring a professional stager as it also helps take the pressure off.
