It’s important to make a good first impression…right? Why not show off your home’s best qualities by making it look bigger, brighter, cleaner and ultimately more appealing to buyers?! When you show off the true potential of the house, it makes it easier to sell which allows you to focus on looking for your new home.
So how do you do this and not spend a fortune? Here are 11 easy tips that give you the most bang for your buck:
If you have an awkward space in the house (like many do), show potential buyers what it could be used for in a stylish way. For example, is that nook under the stairs the perfect place for kids to do homework? Or if you’re lacking storage space add some floating shelves to a wall, above cabinets, or around a door.
You don't want to distract potential buyers. Clear items from the countertops except for one or two decorative pieces. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, but family photos could distract from that.
Plain and simple—storage space sells. Home buyers will look in your closets to see if there’s enough room for their stuff. Make room for your essentials, donate what you don’t need or use, and start putting excess items in storage while your house is on the market.
When you add some greenery inside, it adds warmth and a sense of coziness to the house. Look around and see if you have an empty corner that would benefit from a tall plant. These plants don’t have to be big (you don’t want it to suck up your square footage!) and should be spread out throughout the home for just the right amount of green.
Don’t forget the outdoors! This is the very first thing people will see when they pull up to a house. Curb appeal is a big deal and definitely an important part of the home staging process. Make sure your deck is free of mildew, your sidewalk and driveway have been pressure washed, weeds have been pulled and maybe add a fresh coat of paint to the front door. While you’re at it, add a new doormat for good measure.
This is a big one—eliminate any lingering odors if you have pets. Although we love our furry friends, the hair and smells they sometimes leave behind often result in negative thoughts when someone is looking to buy a home. Steam clean the rugs and keep things clean. On the day of showings, don’t forget to remove the food and water bowls, and put up the toys and bones.
Both inside and outside and be sure to replace any screens that have holes or are torn. Open the blinds on your freshly cleaned windows to let in natural light—it helps brighten up the space and makes a great first impression on potential buyers
Staging your home is a smart investment and can help seal the deal with buyers when you’re trying to sell your home. Plus, it’s always a good idea to showcase the best qualities of the house. If you’re thinking about selling your home and buying a new one, reach out and let us know how we can help!