You’re ready to list your property for sale – but how will potential buyers perceive your home? Will it stand out in a crowded market?
Home staging is the art of preparing your home for sale. The goal is to enhance its appeal so that it resonates with the widest range of potential buyers. It goes beyond just cleaning and decluttering – and involves rearranging furniture, refreshing decor or making minor updates. Whether you work with a professional or take a DIY approach, the goal is to make your home feel welcoming and move-in ready.
Why Staging Matters More Than You Think
The benefits go beyond aesthetics. Research shows that staged homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices than non-staged properties. Styling can emphasize your house’s best features – be it natural light, open space or high-end finishes. It’s less about expressing your personal style and more about creating a universally inviting space. Try to detach emotionally from your home so you can be more objective about what appeals to buyers.
Remember: In a competitive market, thoughtful staging could be the difference between garnering interest versus landing actual offers.
Lean on Professional Guidance
Your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate professional is a valuable ally when it comes to providing staging feedback. They understand what local buyers want in your market and can recommend impactful updates that don’t require expensive or elaborate fixes. Should you need additional help, your agent can also connect you with a trusted local home stager that fits your budget. Whether you’re after a faster sale or a higher return, leverage your agent’s knowledge to get your home ready to showcase.
Affordable Styling Ideas to Stage Your Home
After you’ve decluttered, depersonalized and deep cleaned, check out the BHGRE Staging Guide for staging ideas in every room of the house!
Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions matter – a lot! Keep your lawn mowed, trim any overgrown shrubs, edge plant beds and add mulch. Be sure the entrance to your home is tidy and inviting with potted plants and tasteful seasonal touches.
Rearrange Furnishings: Position furniture for better flow. Remove bulky pieces that make rooms feel cramped. Strategically place mirrors for more space and light. And for home showings, keep curtains open to let natural light pour in.
Update Lighting: Replace outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. A bright, well-lit room can highlight features and feel more welcoming.
Transform Walls: A fresh coat of paint does wonders to revitalize rooms. Opt for serene tones like beige or soft whites to enlarge spaces. Hang artwork at visually appealing heights – about five feet from the floor is ideal – for a balanced look.
Add Boutique-Like Touches: Simple accessories like vases with fresh flowers or stylish throw blankets enhance your home’s style without overwhelming the space. Create a luxurious vibe in bedrooms by replacing bedding with a new white cover and adding throw pillows.
Pay Attention to Aromas: Introduce subtle fragrances using candles or diffusers to elicit a positive emotional response from buyers. And at the minimum, be sure your home doesn’t have any strong odors that might be off-putting to visitors.
Highlight Functional Spaces: Clearly define each room’s purpose to help a buyer imagine how they’ll live in your home. For instance, set up a spare room as a home office or create an inviting reading nook.
Incorporate Greenery: Introduce indoor plants to bring in life and freshness. Foliage and floral touches can make spaces more vibrant and curated.
Feeling motivated to get your property in top shape? Let a local Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate professional help you highlight your home’s best features and attract more buyers!