How to stage your home so that it will sell quickly. I often get hired by realtors to help their clients get their homes ready to put on the market.
I have developed a list of my top tips for you to stage your home so that it will sell quickly and for top dollar, without spending alot of money. You want to draw attention to the best aspects of your home and make it feel as spacious as possible. Potential buyers need to be able to envision themselves living there, and not be distracted or put off by anything broken, cluttered or not clean.
1. Get organized
This is your opportunity to pack up, give away or sell anything that you don’t need or want anymore. Declutter closets and cabinets and have everything tidy. Using baskets or cloth bins (use all the same style in one space) in closets looks neat and organized. Add shoe racks where they are needed. Everyone loves lots of storage, so if you have it, show it off!
2. Depersonalize
Remove family photos, children’s artwork, framed diplomas, etc and replace with generic art that compliments your home’s deocor.
3. Pare down furniture
Less is more when it comes to furniture. You only need enough to show how spaces are meant to be used. Too much furniture will make a room appear cluttered. Make sure your furniture allows for easy access to windows and promotes good traffic flow from one room to another. Reposition chairs and sofas into cozy conversation groups.
4. Curb Appeal
First impressions count! Make sure your front yard is tidy and beds are mulched. Pressure wash patios, walkways, and your home’s exterior if it needs it. Replacing old house numbers with new, modern ones as well as a new front door mat, and light fixture, are inexpensive upgrades that go a long way.
5. Kitchen
Clear everything off countertops unless it’s being used every day and looks good. Fix or replace anything that doesn’t work. Change outdated cabinet hardware. Update the backsplash if necessary – peel and stick tiles are a inexpensive option. Consider having old cabinet doors and drawer fronts replaces or painted if they are outdated. Before showings, display fresh flowers in a vase and a few decorative cookbooks and maybe a fresh loaf of bread on a nice cuttingboard.
6. Bathrooms
Make sure the bathrooms are super clean! Remove clutter, replace old shower curtains and bath mats and invest in new, white towels to display. Accessorize counter tops with a small vase with flowers, a scented candle, or a few face cloths folded with a decorative soap on top. Toothbrushes, etc get hidden in drawers!
7. Bedrooms
Make sure the primary bedroom feels tranquil and clean. Use white, beige or soft colours in the bedding. Remove all personal items from bedside tables, walls and dresser tops. Hang a nice piece of art above the bed – (general rule is it should be 2/3 – 3/4 the width of the bed). Make sure the closet is not overcrowded with clothing, shoes and accessories.
8. Lighting
There should be 100 watts of light every 50 square feet. Good lighting will make your home feel bright and welcoming. Make sure all lights are turned on before a showing and let in as much natural light as possible.
9. A few more tips…
Make sure your home smells good. Use a diffuser in the entry and have fresh flowers in the main areas.
Remove any signs of pets.
If you are painting, keep wall colours neutral.
Accessorize tastefully. If you don’t have an eye for decorating, hire a stager or ask someone to help you who is good at it!
