Our Top 10 Home Staging Tips: Part 2
6) Do a thorough deep cleaning of your home.
Even if you regularly clean your home and keep it well-maintained, every home should go through a special deep cleaning right before it goes on the market. This means scrubbing the windows, steaming the floors, and getting all of those hard-to-reach places that you usually skip. We recommend hiring a professional cleaning crew to come in to use their strong products and skills to make your home shine.
Some of the most overlooked spots are the baseboards, air vents, and ceiling fans. You will be amazed by how much of a difference it makes when these areas are dusted and polished. The baseboards especially make a big difference on how clean your home looks and feels. They often get scuffed up, so after cleaning up marks and damages, put a fresh coat of paint over them to make them look new.
7) Get rid of signs of pets and children.
Homes where pets and/or children have been living can be a turn-off to some buyers who think these homes have been less cared for than ones without them. In order to appeal to the highest number of buyers, you’ll want to limit the signs of pets and kids.
For pets, hide water and food dishes, toys, leashes, bedding, litter boxes and other items. You’ll also want to vacuum your home at least once (if not twice) a day. Keep the yard clean and make any repairs for damages that have been left behind by your furry friend. If possible, see if someone can pet sit for you while your home is on the market.
For kids, it’s not important to hide all signs of them, but you do want to minimize the clutter and child-friendly décor as much as possible. Neutralize their bedrooms and make sure their toys are put away in attractive storage before any showings. We also recommend putting some of their stuff in an off-site storage unit or at a loved one’s house until the house is sold to limit as much clutter as possible.
8 ) Make the bed every day.
This is a very simple step, but it can make a big difference! Make sure all the beds in the house are made every day before showings. A messy bed can make a room look cluttered and unappealing. You can even add some extra pillows, a throw and maybe even a tray with a couple of wine glasses on it to really set the stage and help buyers imagine it as their own personal retreat.
9) Set the table.
Another easy staging tip is to set the dining room table, breakfast table, and kitchen island (if it has bar stools) with plates, placemats, and stemware, and include a simple centerpiece on the first two. This small touch will ignite a buyer’s imagination. It makes the home feel warmer and more inviting, which will appeal to a home buyer’s emotions and help nudge them toward making a handsome offer.
10) Let the light in.
Good lighting is crucial to making a home look and feel great to buyers. If there are any trees blocking light from the windows, trim them back to allow the light in. Some homes lack good natural light, so in those cases, introduce some nice artificial lighting to the spaces that need it. You can also paint the walls in a lighter color and use light fabrics on the window treatments. Light helps a space feel much larger and more open, two big selling features to all home buyers.
And there you have it – our top ten home staging tips for selling your home faster and for more money!