Studies have shown professionally staged homes sell for an average of 10% more than non-professionally staged homes. My professional experience can help inspire buyers’ imaginations by highlighting your home’s strengths and unique features compared to other homes for sale in your community. Proper staging isn’t interior design or decorating; it’s a business decision which can greatly impact the amount and timing of your financial return.
- Start with cleanliness. Remove clutter and any extraneous items such as papers and personal collections. If you are still living in the home you’re selling, store your items in decorative baskets or storage containers during showings.
- Eliminate empty rooms. Rooms appear smaller when they are without furniture, making it more difficult for buyers to visualize themselves living there. Arrange the furniture and lighting to enhance the room’s best features and downplay any negative characteristics. Don’t block huge windows or crowd furniture into a corner. Reposition sofas and chairs into cozy conversation groups away from the walls. Allow rooms to feel open, functional and inviting.
- Repurpose large storage areas. If you have a large space you’ve used for extra storage, try repurposing it into a functional space. Adding a small table and armchair can create a reading nook, or laying inexpensive padding on the floor with some cushy pillows can transform that room into a new meditation and yoga studio.
- Stay neutral. Neutral color schemes can help interested buyers imagine their own style in your home. Helping them envision the possibilities will help them feel more comfortable while touring your residence.
- Add a touch of luxury. Trays, lamps or framed art can add a sense of light and luxury to dark spaces, especially when paired with glass. Ideally, every 50 square feet of living space should have approximately 100 watts of light, utilizing a combination of ambient, task and accent lamps and fixtures. New fluffy towels in the bathroom and pillows arranged on the couch or bed can add a sense of luxury to your home.
- Add the sweet smell of success. A home’s scent is one of the most overlooked parts of successful home staging. Use decorative candles or brew up a teapot full of orange slices, cinnamon, and cloves – it makes the whole home smell great! A pleasing scent can be a powerful selling tool.
I specialize in the representation of homeowners from your community, and believe you deserve access to the most current, objective and comprehensive information affecting the value of your home. If you require the services of a real estate professional in the future, please allow me to outline how I can exceed your greatest expectations.