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In real estate lingo “Staging” means the property has been dressed with paint, furniture arrangements, art and accessories carefully chosen to highlight the home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses, and appeal to the greatest number of prospective buyers. Numerous homes are currently on the market and potential buyers are previewing properties listed for sale on the internet and viewing numerous homes looking for the one that really “wows” them. Is your home standing out from the competition?
Here are some Inside Secrets to Home Staging that will transform your house into a home that will make potential buyers fall in love with…
Staging Secret #1 – Conquer clutter. The most important thing most people can do to improve their home is to clear out, clean up, and get rid of clutter.
Staging Secret #2 – Make a good first impression. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see and like it or not, it speaks volumes about what’s inside — and about its owner.
Staging Secret #3 – Depersonalize. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves in your home, so remove all the family photos, items with family members’ names on them and refrigerator art. Also, make sure to put away all the toys and anything else that is highly indicative of the home’s current inhabitants.
Staging Secret #4 – Remove Odors. Pets, kids, what you ate for dinner last night, a mildew-covered bathroom and many other conditions can make your home smell. Inexpensive tricks for ridding a home of odors and giving it an inviting aroma include baking cinnamon-coated apples in the oven, burning vanilla-scented candles, or throwing some slice-and-bake cookies in the oven. It’s also a good idea to grind half a lemon in the garbage disposal to remove sink odors. If you’re a smoker and you normally smoke indoors, start limiting your smoking to outside the home and take extra steps to deodorize indoors. Finally, don’t forget to take out the trash.
Staging Secret #5 – Never push furniture up flat against the wall. Pull your seating arrangement in just a few inches to create good traffic flow.
Staging Secret #6 – Rugs in a natural color are the best ways to make a room look crisp and clean – neutralizing is key in home staging.
Staging Secret #7 – If decorating just isn’t your thing, hire an expert. Those who offer staging services come from a variety of professions, whether decorating, organizing or even selling real estate. Their skills might include creating room settings, de-cluttering or accessorizing. Some staging jobs involve fine-tuning existing rooms; others, filling vacant houses with furniture and accessories.
These are just a few inside secrets to staging a home for sale. Every property is not perfect but with creative tips and tricks you can turn any house into an attractive home that looks clean, organized, and welcoming. A home that potential buyers can envision themselves living in.
