Simple Staging Tips

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For those selling their home, staging can make the difference between a home sitting on the market for months on end or flying off the market in a matter of days. A survey was done by Coldwell Banker Real Estate found that homes that had been staged spent half the time on the market compared to those that were not. In addition, the staged homes sold for more than 6% above asking price. Staging also makes online photos stand out more and an NAR survey found that 90% of home buyers search online first.  The Ellen Clark Team has put together some helpful pointers for staging your home to make the process easier.

Interior:

  • Remove any excess furniture and rearrange/move furniture that could be better suited for other rooms. You want to ensure that the potential buyer can see their self and their things in the space. Create a natural flow for each room. For example, living room furniture should be set up for conversation and entertainment.
  • Re-paint in neutral colors.
  • Add lamps, rugs, and mirrors to update rooms and make them appear larger.
  • Replace outdated or worn hardware throughout the house including light switch plates, cabinet handles, faucets, the toilet seat, etc. These little details make all the difference!
  • Add houseplants/flowers to create focal points in rooms.
  • Remove personal photos and de-clutter all areas of the home. Pay particular attention to counter-tops.
  • Remove excess clothing from closets. You want to highlight the space and have it not appear smaller by over-crowding. Also, make sure all hangers are faced in the same direction.
  • Simple things like new hand towels and decor in the bathroom can make a huge impact. Choose colors that pop and match.
  • If your bedspread is outdated or does not compliment the theme of the room, consider investing in a new bed set. Try to choose accessories and bedding that are gender neutral.
  • Add area rugs as needed and make sure wood floors are clean. If the home has carpet it is advised to have it professionally cleaned or redone depending on its condition from wear and tear. Consider having wood floors refinished if they are in bad shape.
  • Clean! Windows, stainless steel, under the sink, you name it! If your home is sparkly and fresh people will be more apt to put in their offer. Make sure you get all the grime that accrues over time in the kitchen and bathrooms. These are areas people are sure to notice.  A little trick for eliminating odors: put a lemon half in the garbage disposal. This will release a natural fresh clean aroma.
  • After windows are clean, open up blinds/curtains to allow natural light in and show off the view of your home.
  • Organize cabinets/cupboards. Pack up all dishware except one matching set, same goes for glassware and stemware. This will create more space.
  • Repair any squeaky doors or cabinets. WD-40 is your friend.
  • Think about adding dimmers for lighting. This is a small addition, but people love these in living, family, and dining rooms.

Exterior

  • Check the gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Clean the gutters.
  • Repair roofing, siding, and windows as needed. This not only improves the visual aesthetic of the home but also has avoided any devaluing of the home during the inspection.
  • Power wash the exterior including the deck, sidewalk, and vinyl siding. These can look brand new afterward but be careful as if not done properly can remove paint.
  • Patch up the driveway and concrete walkways.
  • Repaint the front door, fence, and any other wood features outside that could use a fresh coat.
  • Mow the lawn and re-seed/add sod if needed.
  • Cut back overgrown shrubs and trees. Remove dead debris. Clean up flower beds and add new flowers if needed.
  • Add potted plants to walkway or front porch of the home.
  • Update exterior hardware including door handles, the mailbox, and the house numbers. These are low-cost updates that can really make your home stand out.
  • Accessorize the exterior. Add a seating area to the front porch or a new doormat. You could also hang a seasonal wreath on your freshly painted door.
  • Keep porch light on at night in case potential buyers drive by during the evening hours.

We hope these tips will be helpful in the selling process of your home. If you do not have time for DIY staging you can also consult a local staging professional. Remember, details make all the difference in getting the most return on your investments and ensuring your home sells quickly. Contact Patricia Clark with the Ellen Clark Team if you are looking to list or buy a home TODAY! 804-387-2976/ patricia@ellenclark.com