It’s been the hot tip for home sellers since the 1970’s- home staging. That means paying attention to particular details, mostly decor, to ‘set the stage’ that is your home in a way that makes it appealing to the largest number of potential home buyers. Though the concept of home staging is still relevant and useful, there have been some changes over the years regarding what exactly appeals to the largest number of buyers. In fact, in the current climate, which is still challenging, it may be an even better idea- in some cases- to stage for a niche. Let’s go through some standard advice about home staging, and discuss its effectiveness in today’s real estate market.
- Clear Out Clutter. This one is a keeper. If there is too much bric-a-brac lying about, the potential buyer (who we’ll just refer to as ‘the buyer’ from now on) won’t be able to imagine their own clutter in the home. Keep it to a minimum.
- Child Proof the Home. This is still a good idea if you are selling a residence with multiple bedrooms that will likely host a family. If it is a condo or a studio flat, though, it’s probably not necessary, and might, in fact, have a negative impact on the impression you want to give single, unattached buyers who have no immediate plans for children.
- Make Sure Grounds Are Kept Up. This is still one of the most useful staging tips you can employ: tend the garden! The landscape and facade of your home is the first impression you give a buyer. Whatever appearance you go for-subtle or splashy- it needs to be top-rate. Perfectly trim the lawn. No crumbling staircases. No items strewn about. And if there is a patio, backyard or courtyard area, spruce that up as well!
- Go to All White Walls. This remains a good idea for small homes, but for larger ones, a bit of color on the walls in a few rooms only brings attention to the fact that there is lots of space. And space is a top concern. Everyone expects you to stage the home with white walls, so a curveball here can actually bring positive attention. It is still a good idea, however, to keep the palette subtle.
- Keep Furnishings to a Minimum. Still a great tip. Again, you want the buyer to imagine their own furniture in the home. What you do have should preferably be high quality. Ratty furniture will not show the home in the best light . Which brings us to…
- Lighting. A bright house almost always sells quicker than a dark one, all other things being equal. Allow as much natural light in as possible when showing the home.
- Flowers. Potted wild flowers, bouquets, plants, ferns, cactus, single-stemmed roses…..any and all of these consistently bring positive reactions from all types of buyers. Sprinkle them throughout the home, and make sure any cut flowers you have out are fresh and watered.
- Remove all Personal Items and Mementos. This is another one of those overly-obvious home staging devices that may backfire in the current market. Today’s buyers are usually aware that you are staging. It is a better idea to leave some sentimental items in sight. A family photo or a child’s trophy only reinforces the notion that your house has also been a happy home.
- Make Sure the House is Immaculate and Smells Neutral and Pleasant. This one cannot be challenged. The home should be spic and span. Shampoo the rugs if you have them, and use an air purifier. Avoid heavy perfumes and strive for a clean, but not antiseptic, smell. If there has been cigarette smoking in the house, do your very best to remove the odours completely, and while your house is on the market it is best to not allow any smoking indoors. Non-smokers are especially sensitive to the odour and find it off-putting, and there are more non-smokers in UK now than ever before.
If your home has been on the market for a long time, don’t be reluctant to change your staging. Changing things up sometimes brings with it a whole new attitude on your part, along with the new appearance, and these changes can cumulatively have a very positive effect on how the buyer perceives your home.
Bio: Jennifer Barnum is Design Editor for Maine Cottage, purveyor of fine coastal furniture. She enjoys sharing tips and ideas on home décor and design.
