If you watch the many design shows on HGTV, you will consistently hear that staging your home, whether it be a new construction, or not, will result in a quicker sale. Staged homes encourage buyers to connect, both personally and emotionally. Staging also helps buyers to linger longer in a home and to perceive more value, resulting often in a higher sales price. Here are a few tried and true suggestions geared toward maximizing your sale.
- Curb Appeal
Get started out on the right foot, with a welcoming entry. A fresh new welcome mat, some greenery, and seasonal plants will help bring more buyers to your doorstep. Get out the leaf blower to clean up the yard, and paint and spruce up your home, ready for buyers to come rolling in!
- Clean
Hire a professional to deep clean your home, and be certain to include windows, carpets, and upholstery. Make sure that unusual smells, whether from pets or cigars, are nowhere to be found. Buyers need to feel that your home has been well cared for, so fresh scents and sparkling surfaces will go a long way.
- You can’t go wrong with all white
You don’t need to spend a lot on this one. Change all of your old and tired, mismatched and worn bedding, towels, linens, and shower curtains to clean crisp white. The monochromatic look lends an elegant, well-maintained spa-like effect, helping buyers to feel comfortable and to see your home as current and fashionable.
- Out With the Old and In With the New
Over the years, you have turned your house into a space that fits your needs and clearly reflects the family that has been living there, with all of your personal photos and favorite possessions. It is important, however, to help buyers to picture themselves and their own families occupying the space. Swap out anything personal, like family photos, trophies, and mementos, and replace with less personal artwork and tabletop pieces that can readily be purchased at stores like Home Goods or Target.
- Declutter
Eliminate all the clutter from surfaces, such as countertops, shelves, coffee tables, dining tables, kitchen tables, and the bathroom. Neatly arrange your bookshelves and sort your closets by color or style. A home that feels fresh and organized will feel so much more inviting!
Consider these tips and your magazine-ready home could be the next to sell!
Traci Shulkin is the exclusive agent representing the Wellesley/Weston, Massachusetts, real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
Image courtesy of Traci Shulkin
