How to Stage Your Home to Sell

Staging a home means getting it ready for sale by putting its best foot forward. Sellers should know that staging their home for sale often takes some sacrifices and creates some inconveniences. It also, however, can result in a quicker sale and a higher return. Staging is part art, part decorating and part sales psychology.

Deep Clean

Staging a home starts with a deep cleaning. Everything from carpets to window sills should be cleaned like it was Spring. Some sellers will find that having a home professionally cleaned can be worth the investment.

Make a Good First Impression

The first 30 seconds can be critical in creating a favorable impression of your home. It is why many professionals will recommend purchasing a new steel front door and putting potted plants near the entrance way.

Create the Impression of Space

Even if a home has plenty of storage and cabinet space, it may not appear so if cabinets, cupboards, and closets are over-stuffed. This is why most real estate professionals will recommend people selling their homes only keep clothes they need in closet and pack up any items not needed on a daily basis. Prospective buyers will open drawers and cabinets. They should be neat and appear to have ample space.

Vacation and wedding pictures may only serve as a distraction to buyers. Personal items may also inhibit them from “seeing” your house as their own. Minimizing clutter and removing personal items creates a neater appearance and allows a prospect to better imagine the home as theirs.

Think Bright, Airy, and Open

Homes show better when there is plenty of space, window curtains are open and natural light is available. You can add to the airy atmosphere with fresh flowers on a table or countertop. Minimize furniture to open pathways for walking.

It is About the Show

Staging a West Terrace home makes it look better in images and provides for a better in-person experience. Some sellers will go as far as renting furniture and decorative items to stage their home for sale. This allows for personal items to be packed and stored in preparation for a potential move. How far a seller takes the staging process is a personal choice but even minimal staging efforts will pay dividends.