Home staging: how to appeal to buyers

Today’s housing market puts the average seller at an automatic disadvantage. With so many homeowners trying to unload their properties and buyers looking to score the best possible deal on a new home, it’s a challenge for most sellers to get even close to the asking price of their respective homes, especially in areas or developments where a number of similar homes are placed on the market all at the same time. If you’re one of these sellers in question, then you should know that there is a way to set your home apart from all the rest. Sure, you can’t add square footage, and you might not have a lot of money to throw into upgrades, but you can still make your home more appealing to buyers with a few simple home staging tricks.

Reduce clutter
Not only does a cluttered home look unsightly, it sends a clear, negative message to buyers: this home obviously doesn’t have enough space. Storage can play a huge role in home appeal, so do your part to make your house seem more than adequate in this regard. Clear off kitchen countertops so that they appear bigger; leave only key appliances such as microwaves and toaster ovens. Remove knick-knacks from dresser tops and make sure that no items are draped over chairs or left hanging from bedroom doorknobs. As for your bathrooms, you’ll want to make them seem as spacious as possible, so clear all toiletry items off of countertops before potential buyers come though (your hand soap and toothbrush holder can stay).

Clear out your closets
By now you’ve come to realize that storage space sells. When buyers evaluate the closets within a home, they look at size, as well as layout. The more organized your closets are, the bigger they will seem. You’ll want to limit the amount of stuff you keep in each closet so that the buyer is able to clearly see the sides, floor, and back wall of every closet in the home. An overstuffed closet gives the impression that the owner must struggle to fit all of her belongings inside, whereas a semi-filled closet is an indication that the closet comes with plenty of room to spare. Finally, if your house comes with any walk-in closets, then make sure that your potential buyers can truly walk inside of them freely. Leave nothing on the floor of a walk-in closet and do your best to maximize the amount of light that comes in by opening up surrounding window shades or leaving the closet light on.

Clean, clean, clean
Nothing turns buyers off like dusty, unkempt houses. A great way to appeal to buyers is to make your home absolutely spotless. This is one of the cheapest ways to improve your home, as a thorough cleaning requires little money, just lots of your time. Most people whose homes are for sale will do a general cleaning but skimp on the details. Set your home apart by covering all of your bases. Scrub the inside of your oven. Spot treat the carpets. Dust behind the washer and dryer. Tackle the areas that most people neglect so that when it comes to cleanliness, your house shines above the rest.

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way
It’s natural for painted walls to chip over time, but with the relatively-inexpensive cost of paint, this is one aspect of home staging that no seller should skip. Give the walls of your house a fresh coat of paint, and be sure to patch up any obvious holes or dents. Also, consider replacing bold-colored walls with tamer, neutral colors. Although a paint job is an easy thing to replace, many buyers get turned off when they see wall colors that simply don’t match their tastes. By keeping your walls as neutral as possible, you’re more likely to appeal to the masses.

Never underestimate the value of curb appeal
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions can go a long way. The first thing a potential buyer will notice is the outside appearance of your house. Make sure that your windows are clean, your bushes are trimmed, your leaves are raked, your lawn is mowed, and your walkway is clear. Consider renting a power washer to thoroughly clean your sidewalks and exterior all at once. You might also want to repaint your front door and add some shine to your mailbox. Finally, bright colors are an excellent way to maximize your curb appeal. If it’s too late to plant, then add some potted flowers to draw buyers over to your property.

Make it personal, but not too personal
The goal of home staging is to make any potential buyer start thinking that he could possibly make a life for himself and his family in your home. You want to stage your home in a way that highlights the benefits that each room has to offer. A living room should have cozy, inviting furniture set up in a way that lends to easy conversation and family gatherings. For the dining room, you might want to aim for a functional yet romantic feel by making the table the focal point of the room but complementing it with warm accents such as sconces, small lamps, and a pair of candlesticks at the center of the table. When staging the various rooms of your home, you should remove all or most family photos. This way, the buyer will focus on the potential that the various rooms of the house have to offer without the constant reminder that his new potential abode is somebody else’s home.

It never hurts to bake some cookies
Nothing makes potential buyers feel more at home than the smell of fresh-baked cookies permeating the property. If you’re expecting people to come by to view the house, then consider baking some cookies prior to their arrival. You’ll gain bonus points for buyer appeal and, best of all, you’ll have delicious, home-baked cookies to enjoy once your potential buyers clear out.

In today’s competitive market, it can be difficult to set your house apart from the rest. Follow these guidelines for home staging to maximize your buyer appeal. With a few simple touches, you can do your part to move your home off of the market so that you can embark on your next housing endeavor.