No matter where you’re selling your home, there’s always competition to attract buyers and get the best price. Staging a home helps it appeal to the broadest possible group of people, making it easier for buyers to see themselves living there. Here are a few basic staging steps to take your personal items out of the scene:
- Neutralize—Put away family photos, religious items or collections.
- De-clutter—Pack up knick-knacks, clear off countertops, remove up to half your furniture. Consider renting a storage locker until your home sells.
- Rearrange—Arrange furniture so buyers can move smoothly through the home. Highlight the focal point of each room, such as fireplaces, with furniture groupings.
- Let it shine—Clean or replace carpets, wash or paint walls, pressure-wash siding and decks, and scrub, scrub, scrub—especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Turn on all lights and open drapes for showings.
- Landscape—Mow and edge the lawn, trim the hedges, plant flowers. If your yard doesn’t look well-maintained, buyers might assume your home isn’t either and just drive by.
If your funds are limited, spend money where it shows. Buyers form first impressions from your front door and foyer, so make sure they sparkle. So if you’re debating replacing carpeting in the entryway or a back hallway, choose the entryway. While you’re at it, check if the doorknob wobbly, or that the doorbell is functioning properly. How about a new welcome mat?
As you think about this list of idea, be sure your changes make economic sense as well. Normal maintenance and changing simple things to neutralize your space are smart choices–like wall color or fixing a dripping faucet. But avoid upgrading things that won’t appeal to every homebuyer, like adding an expensive tub or new countertop.
If you need help, consider hiring a professional stager. Realtors can recommend stagers, or you can consult the International Association of Home Staging Professionals’ website at iahsp.com. Costs vary, but the National Association of Realtors reports that spending 1% to 3% of your home’s asking price will generally yield an 8% to 10% return.
Whether you’re fixing up your home for resale, or looking to buy a new home yourself, Liberty Savings can help. Stop by or call 201-659-3900 today. Or visit us online to send an email or find a branch location.