Top 10 Tips for Staging Your Home for Sale

Should you plan on staging your home before putting it on the market? It’s what homeowners have been doing since the 1970s, when real estate professionals noted that staged homes often sold faster and commanded a higher price. The practice has been the norm ever since. How does it work? 

As you probably know, buying a home isn’t something anyone takes lightly. A lot of logic and analysis are involved. However, it is still a very emotional decision! Staging stimulates a buyer’s imagination so they begin picturing the home as their own the minute they walk through the door.

Benefits of Staging

Staging makes your house look beautiful, but the benefits go far beyond surface appearances. For one thing, it can help you earn more when all is said and done. A study by the Real Estate Staging Association suggests that staging can add as much as 7% to your final price. On a $1 million sale, this works out to a potential increase of $70,000. 

Plus, staged homes often sell faster. Once you accept an offer, you can stop worrying about making your house look perfect and begin planning your next step in life. 

1. Create a Plan

With all the benefits staging offers, why would anyone not do it? The time and effort involved can be a deterrent. And depending on the level of detail you want, a certain amount of cost is required.

But a total transformation isn’t always necessary, and it doesn’t have to be in every room in the house. Focusing on the kitchen, bathroom, and living rooms can go a long way in captivating a buyer’s attention. A local real estate agent can set you up with a staging consultation to determine what will help you get the best results. 

Sometimes, they might recommend bringing in a professional company to redesign your home from top to bottom. Other times, a few simple changes are all you need to maximize your sale. If you’ve got a flair for design, you may even decide to take care of the project yourself. The tips below will help you make a powerful first impression on every potential buyer who visits your home.

Your selling plan should begin with knowing how much your home is currently worth. Why not book a free home evaluation right here?

2. Start With the Outside

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and you don’t want to miss this opportunity to take their breath away! Make your home welcoming and inviting by adding stylish landscaping, trimming your hedges, and mowing your lawn. And, of course, clean all garbage and debris from your front entranceway. For added effect, consider repainting your front door to make your home stand out.

3. Clean Thoroughly

Cleaning your home until it shines may seem like a simple step, but there is no better way to set the stage for a successful sale. So grab a pair of gloves and some sponges, and the transformation begins! Wipe down the windows, walls, and even the baseboards. And don’t forget about those hard-to-reach corners where the cobwebs might settle.

Do you want even more advice on how to sell your home in today’s market? You can download my Seller’s Guide for free right here.

4. Declutter Mercilessly

You don’t want anything to take away a potential buyer’s attention. And if you’re not careful, clutter can be a terrible distraction. Before anyone walks through your home, go through each room and remove everything you no longer need. Donate what you can, and neatly store away the rest. The cleaner and less cluttered your home is, the more spacious it seems to anyone who visits. 

5. Minor Repairs and Updates

Nothing is more appealing to most potential buyers than a move-in-ready home! That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on renovations. Minor details can make a big difference in the overall appeal of your home. Fix any leaky faucets, replace broken tiles, and repair any cracks in the walls or ceiling. And don’t forget a coat of fresh paint throughout. Light and neutral colours add a touch of modernness and luxury! 

6. Focus on the Space

Design and flow are the keys to making your house appear interesting and well-organized. Interior designers will take plenty of time deciding on focal points and what accent pieces can enhance the flow of a room. Here are a few ideas to start with:

• Place a large mirror on one wall or use multiple smaller mirrors throughout the room to create depth perception.
• Enhance vertical space by adding tall bookcases or shelves to draw the eye upward and create the impression of a higher ceiling. Place them away from windows to allow for maximum natural light.
• Use a statement piece of furniture, an area rug or a piece of artwork to create a focal point in the room.
  

7. Increase Natural Light

Natural light makes every home feel more desirable and luxurious! And filling your home with sunshine and fresh air is easier than you might think. Start by replacing blinds or dark curtains with light sheers. Adding modern and energy-efficient light fixtures is a simple and cost-effective upgrade. And a few strategically placed lamps can brighten any dark spots in your home. 

What’s your next step after selling your home? Here are some ideas to consider:

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8. Depersonalize

Personal photos and memorabilia may make your house feel like home to you. But that’s not the atmosphere you want to create for buyers. They need to imagine their own family in the space, not yours! As much as it pains you, it’s time to remove all children’s artwork, family photos, knick-knacks, and especially religious or political items. Once you’ve moved into your new place, you can put them all back on display!

9. Minimize

It’s no secret that houses with more square footage typically command a higher price. But even older, modest homes can seem larger when you maximize the use of space. Often, a few strategic changes to your furniture layout can do the trick. 

For example, large, clunky pieces can make any space feel smaller and more cramped. To open things up, use smaller furniture and remove all unnecessary items. Everything in the room should have a purpose. If not, it’s got to go!

10. Think Virtual

If you’ve followed the tips above, you may not recognize your own home! There is just one more step before the showings begin. It’s time for a professional photographer to come and work their magic. Why does this matter? 

Most buyers these days start by browsing listings online. Beautiful photos, videos, and floor plans capture their interest and make them want to know more about making your house their new home.

Are you ready to achieve exceptional results when selling your home in the GTA? I am happy to get you started by answering any questions you have about the current market. Give me a call or text today at 289-536-4143 or email jwatsonhomes@jacquelinewatson.ca to learn more.