When it comes to selling a home, how the space looks and feels matters greatly. Purchasing a home is a heart-based decision for many buyers, as it could be where they envision starting a family, or where they plan to retire. Home staging is a powerful tool that can transform your property into a buyer’s dream, helping potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space. According to an article by Compare the Market, owners selling a property can get back up to ten times the amount of investment put into staging. For home staging, you can either choose to work with a professional stager or take the DIY approach. Regardless, incorporating creative and thoughtful home staging ideas can make your home stand out in the competitive real estate market. Here are a few helpful tips for staging your home for sale.
Create a welcoming entrance
It’s been said time and time again: first impressions count – and for good reason. What a potential buyer sees when they first walk into a home can decide the fate of the sale, so focus on creating an attractive entrance. You can do this by painting or repainting your front door, adding a welcome mat and some potted plants or flowers. Make sure the entrance is clutter-free. Bring ample lighting into the welcome area. A bright and welcoming space can make your home feel more spacious and inviting. If there’s not a lot of natural light available, consider adding some wall sconces or a table lamp to brighten up the entrance. Don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal, either. The first impression starts at the curb, so don’t neglect the exterior of your home. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained, add potted plants or flowers for a bit of colour, and consider replacing tired, worn-out pebbles or pavers with fresh ones.
Declutter and depersonalise
One of the first steps in effective home staging is decluttering and depersonalising the space. A study from the National Association of Realtors found that 83 percent of buyers’ agents said home staging made it easier for buyers to visualise the place as somewhere that could be their future home. This means removing personal items such as family photos and other sentimental objects to create a neutral canvas that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Remove excess furniture, personal items, and family photos to create a neutral canvas. By decluttering and depersonalising the space, you’re allowing potential buyers to consider how the house could look if they lived there. A clean, clutter-free space also has the added bonus of feeling larger and more inviting.
Maximise natural light
Highlight the natural beauty of your home by maximising natural light. You may like to do this by replacing heavy drapes with sheer curtains, trimming bushes and trees outside windows to allow for the sun to shine through, and cleaning the windows to let more light in. Natural light can also make a space feel more open and airy, which is always a big plus for home selling. For homes that don’t have a lot of natural light, consider adding lamps and additional lighting to brighten up the space. A dull and dreary home is not likely to attract buyers, so maximising natural light is crucial in creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Employ a neutral colour palette
Some of us love our zany, bright colours. They show personality and let us express ourselves. While this can be fun and playful for our own homes, it may not be the most appealing to potential buyers. When selling a home, you want potential buyers to see themselves living in the space, and having bold colours on walls or furniture can be distracting. Instead, opt for a neutral colour palette that allows buyers to envision their own style and preferences in the home. This doesn’t mean everything has to be white or beige, but rather incorporating soft and muted tones that create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate pops of colour through accessories and artwork to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Consider furniture arrangement
It’s not just about the furniture in the home, but how it’s positioned. Arrange furniture to create an open layout that flows effortlessly throughout the home. Consider the traffic flow in each room, and arrange furniture to showcase the room’s functionality. Less is more, so keep furniture to a minimum and remove any unnecessary pieces. This will not only make the space feel larger, but it also allows potential buyers to envision their own furniture in the home without feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Try to keep large, bulky items to a minimum, and leave plenty of room for buyers to walk around and consider the room. Furniture can also be used to effectively define a space, such as highlighting a multi-purpose room as both a guest room and potential home office, or creating a cosy reading nook. Potential buyers appreciate well-defined spaces that showcase the versatility of a home.
Make it cosy
Homes aren’t all about busyness and activity. You want buyers to feel like they can relax in the home, too. Make your home feel warm and inviting by incorporating soft textures and layers. Add throw pillows, blankets, and area rugs for a cosy atmosphere. Consider the season. Many people choose to use warm tones and textures in the autumn and winter, and lighter, breezier elements in the spring and summer. This can also be achieved with the use of lighting, such as warm and inviting lamps or natural light streaming in through open curtains. By creating a cosy atmosphere, potential buyers will feel more at ease and connected to the home.
Incorporate greenery
Humans are drawn to the natural world, and plants are great for breathing life into a space. Consider incorporating indoor plants or fresh flowers to add a touch of nature when staging your home. Greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a positive and vibrant atmosphere. Many plants also have the added benefit of improving air quality, making the space feel clearer. Just be sure to choose low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for if you’re going to be away from the home between viewings.
Home staging is an art that involves showcasing your property in the best possible light. By implementing these creative home staging ideas, you can create a space that captivates potential buyers and increases the likelihood of a swift and successful sale. To cover your basement cleanout effectively, remember, the goal is to create a universally appealing and welcoming environment that allows potential buyers to envision the home as their own, ensuring every space, including the basement, contributes positively to that vision. This means minimising personal items and maximising neutral, inviting elements that anyone can appreciate.
