What is Home Staging?

January 10, 2013

What is Home Staging?

Home Staging is not just an art of preparing and redecorating a home for sale, it is also a proven real estate strategy. Staging a home can have a significant impact on the appeal of your home and increase its market value. If done wisely, it can turn a cold looking property into a warm and inviting home in the potential buyer’s mind.

Home staging Tips

Studies have shown that most buyers make a decision about a house within minutes of walking in the door. Here are some simple tips to make the most effective first impression:

  • Make sure your home is spotlessly clean and eliminate unpleasant pet or food odours.
  • Keep all curtains and blinds open and turn on the lights.
  • Put fresh flowers in principal rooms.
  • Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels and new guest soaps to every bath.
  • Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.
  • Items that do not enhance the decor of the room should be put away or stored off-site.
  • Depersonalize the rooms by putting away family photos, mementos and distinctive artwork.
  • Don’t leave any rooms empty, rent some furniture if necessary.
  • Remove any clutter from the the kitchen counter top.
  • Maintain neat and tidy closets. Storage areas need to look clean and organized.
  • Apply neutral tones if you need to repaint walls or replace carpets.
  • If necessary re-grout the tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms. It can make a big difference.
  • The basement should be dry and clean. Use shelves or cabinets to store your materials.
  • Move your lawn and put away toys and yard equipment.

Creating a positive first impression is crucial when selling your home. A staged home stands out from the competition, maximizes the selling price and sells faster!