The current real estate marketplace is vastly digital. In this day and age, the home buying process generally starts by browsing online listings. Potential buyers usually base the decision to see a home in person solely on the photos they find online. The critical factor in generating great images of your home is staging the space to optimize its full potential.
Staging will showcase a move-in-ready home and make a memorable impression. Updated and trendy furniture and decor, especially in the kitchen, dining room, living room, and primary bedrooms, can create an emotional connection with potential buyers and make them fall in love with the home. When buyers start visualizing themselves and their families living in the home, the offer will be following soon. Accentuating the positives in your real estate and minimizing the negatives leads to them becoming more willing to make an attractive offer. Here are staging tips to get your home ready to sell.
Increase your curb appeal
The outside of the home is the first thing a potential buyer will see, and first impressions are crucial. By taking care and focusing on the exterior of your property, you can help create a positive image and ultimately sell your home faster.
-
Attend to your landscaping. Mow grass, pull weeds and dead plants, and trim bushes and shrubs.
-
Stage lawn furniture to feel warm and inviting.
-
Pressure wash the exterior and touch up any chipped or peeling paint.
-
Clean the driveway and seal any cracks in the pavement.
-
Stage the entryway with welcoming decor. Consider adding seasonal potted plants or a colorful wreath.
Potential buyers will be standing on the front steps for an average of one minute while their realtor retrieves keys to open the door. Make sure they are taking in the best your home has to offer in that time.
Deep clean
When buyers walk into the house, they want to envision themselves living their best life in the space. You don’t want them to feel like they would need to do a lot of work just to make it feel like home. Be sure the space is clean and organized. Don't forget the small details. Wipe down baseboards, doors, light switches, and trim. Dust the fixtures, vents, and decor. Scrub grout, and organize closets.
The kitchen is a prominent selling feature for many buyers – make it sparkle. Wipe down appliances and clear the counters of any clutter. Local realtor, Alison Salzar, has 10 Kitchen updates that will get your kitchen in the best position to attract buyers.
Declutter
Walking into a cluttered home gives the impression there is not enough space. Not only will it make a room feel smaller if there are extra unnecessary items, but it will also seem like the home doesn't have adequate storage for the homebuyer. Keep your decor simple yet elegant. Get rid of outdated window treatments and pack or store anything you don't need.
Stick to neutral colors
Use light, neutral tones, such as white, grey, beige, or other subtle colors on the walls and in the bulk of the decor. Muted colors give the buyer a better sense of how their belongings will look in the space.
Don't be afraid to spend a little to make a lot
While you may not want to invest in home improvements on the home you are leaving, sellers can exponentially increase the listing amount by doing small updates. It’s not uncommon to see a return on investment of over 1,000 percent! The projects with the most significant return are in the kitchen and bathrooms. They include updating light fixtures and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint.
Draw inspiration from current listings
Determine the desired price range for your home and search active listings at the top and bottom of that range. What draws your attention when looking at photos of other homes for sale in the area? Take note of details in images, such as decor and how they have staged the bedrooms, kitchens, and other living spaces. When looking at less attractive listings, what stands out? Is the home too cluttered, or did they use too many bold colors?
Anticipate your audience
Mill Valley is an affluent community. The median income of the area is well above average. Buyers looking for homes for sale in Mill Valley are likely to be drawn to luxury and high-end amenities. When staging a home in this area, it should feel luxurious.
Potential buyers looking at Ross Valley homes for sale may be looking for a slow-paced lifestyle since the area is more rural and laid back. When staging homes in this community, you may want to portray a more relaxed atmosphere.
Homes for sale in San Rafael may emphasize outdoor entertaining due to the stunning hills and views surrounding the area. Ensure your outdoor spaces are set up for this type of buyer.
Appeal to the senses
When getting your home ready for an open house or walkthrough, it is great to think of the senses and how to take advantage of each one.
-
Utilize natural light when possible. A bright and sunny home will draw buyers, and windows make a space feel more open and airy.
-
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. If the house is too hot or cold, a potential buyer may not feel comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the walkthrough.
-
How does it smell? Buyers will notice the scent from the moment they walk through the door. They don't want to smell if you have pets or forgot to clean the fridge last week. You want the home to smell fresh without becoming overpowering.
-
If there are unfavorable noises in the area, it might be advantageous to play relaxing melodies throughout the home.
Whether you are looking at Mill Valley homes for sale, Ross Valley real estate, or houses for sale in San Rafael, you can be sure to get the highest offer for your home through staging. Allison Salzar is an experienced real estate agent with an eye for detail who can help you stage each room beautifully. Take the stress and extra work from your plate and call the professionals.
