The Ultimate Guide to Staging Your Home Like a Pro
At Smart Move, we understand that selling your home can be an overwhelming process. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step, including one of the most crucial aspects: home staging.
When done right, home staging can not only increase your home’s selling price but also help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. In this ultimate guide, we’ll share our top home staging tips to help you impress buyers and get the best possible offers.
Why Home Staging Matters
First and foremost, let’s address the importance of home staging. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, a well-staged home can sell for up to 10% more than an unstaged one. That’s a significant return on your home staging efforts! Moreover, a staged home spends 73% less time on the market compared to its unstaged counterparts.
Staging helps potential buyers connect emotionally with your home. When they can envision themselves living there, they’re more likely to submit purchase offers and potentially even pay more. After all, buying a home is an emotional decision, and staging plays a crucial role in creating that emotional connection.
Decluttering and Depersonalising
Before we dive into the home staging process itself, let’s tackle two crucial steps: decluttering and depersonalising. These tasks may seem daunting, but they’re essential for highlighting your home’s best features and helping prospective buyers envision their own belongings in the space.
Start by removing all the family photos, personal mementoes, and any clutter that might distract potential buyers. This includes clearing off countertops, organising cupoards and storage spaces, and removing any unnecessary furniture or items that make rooms feel cramped.
While it might be tempting to keep some of your personal touches, remember that buyers need to be able to see themselves in the space. A cluttered or overly personalised home can make it difficult for them to envision their future home.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything, which is why enhancing your home’s curb appeal is so important. As potential buyers drive up, you want them to be wowed by the exterior of your home.
Start by giving your front door a fresh coat of paint or a good cleaning. Consider adding flower boxes or potted plants to add a pop of colour and life. If you have a porch or outdoor living space, make sure it’s clean, well-lit, and staged with outdoor furniture that showcases how the space can be used.
Don’t forget about the rest of your garden and landscaping. Trim any overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and ensure that your home’s exterior is free of any clutter or debris.
Enhancing the Interior
Now that we’ve tackled the outside, let’s move indoors. Here are our top home staging tips for creating a welcoming and inviting interior that will impress buyers:
Maximise Natural Light
A home’s natural light is one of the most sought-after features in a home. It not only makes spaces feel larger and more inviting but also showcases your home’s features in the best possible light.
Start by cleaning all windows, inside and out, to let in as much natural light as possible. Open blinds and curtains during showings, and consider replacing any broken light fixtures or outdated light bulbs with brighter, more energy-efficient options.
If a room lacks natural light, strategically place lamps and make sure all the lights are turned on for showings. This will help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Arrange Furniture for Optimal Flow
The way you arrange your furniture can have a big impact on how a potential buyer perceives the space. You want to create a natural flow that guides buyers through the home while also highlighting each room’s purpose and usable space.
In the living room, for example, arrange furniture in a way that encourages conversation and creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere. In the dining room, make sure the table is set and staged to showcase how the space can be used for entertaining.
Don’t be afraid to rearrange or even remove some of your existing furniture if it makes the room feel spacious and open.
Embrace Neutral Colors and Decor
While you may love your bold, vibrant wall colours or eclectic decor, potential buyers might not share the same taste. When staging your home, it’s best to embrace neutral colours and decor that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Consider repainting any rooms with bold or dated colours in a fresh, neutral shade like greige, taupe, or soft white. These colours not only make spaces feel larger and brighter but also provide a blank canvas for buyers to envision their own style.
When it comes to decor, opt for simple, understated pieces that complement the space without overwhelming it. Fresh flowers, potted plants, and tasteful artwork can add just the right touch of warmth and personality.
Highlight Key Features
Every home has unique features that set it apart, whether it’s a cosy fireplace, a spacious primary bedroom, or a finished basement that doubles as an entertainment room. When staging your home, make sure to highlight these key features in a way that showcases their potential.
If you have hardwood floors, for example, make sure they’re clean and polished to perfection. If your home has a beautiful view, arrange furniture in a way that frames and showcases the vista.
Staging these key features not only helps buyers appreciate your home’s value but also sparks their imagination for how they might use and enjoy the space.
Consider a Professional Stager
While you can certainly tackle home staging on your own, hiring a professional stager can take your efforts to the next level. Professional stagers are experts at highlighting a home’s best features, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere, and ensuring that every room is showcased in the best possible light.
If you want to sell your property and your budget allow, consider hiring a professional stager or at least consulting with one for personalised home staging tips. Their expertise can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your home and can ultimately lead to a higher selling price.
Online Listings and Showings
In today’s digital age, online listings and virtual showings are crucial for attracting potential buyers. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your home is staged and presented in the best possible light, both in person and online.
For online listings, make sure to showcase your home’s best features with high-quality photos and virtual tours. Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer to capture your home’s true essence and highlight its unique selling points.
During in-person showings, pay close attention to details like lighting, temperature, and ambience. Make sure all the lights are on, the home is clutter-free, and there are no lingering odours or distractions that could detract from the overall experience.
The Benefits of Staging Your Home
As you can see, home staging is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your home’s selling price and appeal to potential buyers. By decluttering, depersonalising, enhancing curb appeal, and showcasing your home’s best features, you can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that helps buyers envision their future home.
At Smart Move, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the selling process, including home staging. Our experienced team of real estate professionals can provide personalised home staging tips, connect you with reputable staging services, and ensure that your home is presented in the best possible light to attract the right buyers and achieve the highest possible selling price.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With our expertise and these home staging tips, you can confidently showcase your home’s true potential and impress buyers every step of the way.