When it comes to selling a home, the seller naturally would like to obtain the best possible price involving the least expenditure. Home staging is preparing your home for sale so it is appealing to a large variety of potential buyers, thereby ensuring a high price as well. Staging a home is becoming more popular, as it not only draws more interest in the property but it can be cost-efficient as well. It could turn out to be one of the least expensive but most profitable ways of selling your home.
To increase the current valuation of my property, look at ways to boost the appeal of the home to prospective buyers.
“overstaging” the property, giving it an unnatural appearance by looking too good and thus making it less appealing to buyers. We list below some of the other factors that should be avoided when staging your home.
Clutter: Nothing puts off a potential buyer more than seeing a home that is full of clutter. Decluttering is essential. Personal items should be packed and stored – not just put in cupboards for curious viewers to stumble upon. As one professional put it, “I always tell the vendors that if they don’t need it, pack it up ready for the move, because less clutter means more space and more space equals more money. It’s a simple equation.”
Less space: One of the major concepts of staging is to make the area appear more spacious. Adding mirrors in the right places, like opposite windows or behind a light source such as a table lamp, can give the illusion of additional space. It will also increase the amount of light coming into the room, making it brighter.
Dark and gloomy rooms: These would deter a potential buyer. It is important to have as much light as possible. Natural light is best so the windows should be thoroughly cleaned and the curtains drawn back to increase the light. If the house is artificially lit, all the lights should be turned on before a viewing. If there are blinds, they should be opened fully. Interior doors should be kept open. This will not only increase the circulation of light and air but will give the prospective buyer a feeling of openness.
Too much furniture: While furniture is necessary, especially when placed ideally to showcase the area in its full potential, too much furniture in a room could make it look cramped with less space to move around in. This could put off a potential buyer. At the same time, an empty room devoid of furniture could make it look lifeless. Hence, there should be a balance so that just sufficient furniture is kept in the room to make it look warm and inviting.
Messy painting finish: First impressions are important and the sight of a newly well-painted house could add dimensions to a buyer’s mindset when deciding to buy the property. However, a bad finish to a painting job could do just the opposite. Colours also make a difference. Since the home will be open to various viewers, it is better to keep the colours neutral, instead of bright shades which may not appeal to everyone.
Untidiness: Besides decluttering, a neat and tidy home could be an added incentive for a buyer. A good spring cleaning will work wonders. Placing clean towels in toilets, bathrooms and the kitchen is simple but effective. Clean bed linen with plumped pillows is another simple but effective touch.
Staleness: Freshness will add to your home’s appeal. Plants bring life to a home and a vase of fresh flowers is always attractive. Getting rid of odours (from pets and food) is important, so light scented candles or use homemade air fresheners.
Disrepair: Anything that needs to be repaired, like creaky or scratched flooring, carpets that need cleaning or faulty gadgets require to be seen, too. If it is something that cannot be repaired, it should be brought to the notice of the viewer.
Conclusion: Whether the viewing is done virtually or physically, staging a home makes it easier for prospective buyers to imagine the property as their future home. This helps increase your chances of an early sale, according to a report of a home organizing firm. According to another expert, “The object of staging is to flatter the property but not be too obvious about it, like being dressed without drawing particular attention to what you’re wearing.”
(https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/staging-home.asp)
Proper staging of a home can definitely works to your advantage when putting it on the market.
