Excess furniture and clutter are removed; repairs and renovations may be completed; eccentric decorating can be turned back to neutral backdrops; and thorough cleaning makes the entire house shine – including closets, fireplaces, driveways, and decks.
Professional home staging can be done for most homes at a cost ranging from $5,000 – $25,000, depending on the size of the home and how thoroughly the job is done. However, my marketing director and I can usually provide tips and recommendations an owner can do at little cost. Here is a room-by-room tour to illustrate the power of professional home staging.
Exterior
First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home, and that’s why the exterior of a house is so important.
- By sprucing up the paint and landscape, the house can look more inviting and well-maintained.
- The driveway is another important aspect, and home improvement stores sell products that can remove oil stains, making it look cleaner and more attractive to potential buyers.
- Another key aspect of the exterior is the deck or porch, which should be treated like any other room in the home. Make sure the grill is in good shape, fertilizers and charcoal are stored neatly away, and patio furniture is in good condition. Overall, by paying attention to the exterior, it can make a huge difference in the home staging process and ultimately attract more potential buyers.
Living / Family Room
- When it comes to the living or family room, it’s important to focus on creating a sense of space and openness. This means removing excess furniture and clutter, as nothing makes a room look smaller than furniture that is too large or bulky.
- Additionally, it’s best to remove family photos and knick-knacks, as people’s curiosity can take the focus off the house, which is what you are trying to sell.
- The fireplace is another important aspect, and a wood-burning fireplace may need to be cleaned, including the chimney and any soot on the front. By following these tips, the living or family room can be transformed into a space that feels spacious and inviting to potential buyers.
Kitchen
- The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and it’s important to make sure it’s in top shape when staging a home.
- This means paying attention to the counters and cupboards, and removing any appliances or dishes that take up too much work or storage space.
- The pantry is another important aspect, and it can be helpful to toss any food that hasn’t been eaten in several months to make it appear larger. Built-in desks should also be cleaned and rid of any unnecessary clutter.
- By following these tips, the kitchen can be transformed into a space that is both functional and attractive to potential buyers.
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms are often considered the telltale room of cleaning habits, and it’s important to make sure they’re in top shape when staging a home. This means storing toothpaste, toothbrushes, cosmetics, and brushes neatly in drawers or cabinets, tossing soap scraps, and neatly hanging towels.
- By following these tips, the bathroom can be transformed into a space that is both clean and inviting to potential buyers.
Bedrooms
- The bedroom is an important space to focus on when staging a home, as it’s often where potential buyers can envision themselves living.
- The bed is a focal point, so it’s important to make sure it looks good, with smooth covers and folded corners.
- Walls should also be a neutral color, preferably off-white, as neon green walls can be off-putting to potential buyers.
- Closets should also be organized and out of season clothes should be packed to create a sense of space.
- By following these tips, the bedroom can be transformed into a space that is both inviting and functional to potential buyers.
Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in home staging as it can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes buyers feel comfortable. It can also accentuate architectural features and draw attention to key areas of the home. Professional home stagers often use a combination of natural and artificial light to create the perfect ambiance, which can be achieved by adding lamps, changing light fixtures, or adjusting window treatments.
Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors can be a huge turn-off for buyers and can prevent them from even considering a home. It’s essential to address any odors before staging the home. This could be done by cleaning carpets, airing out the house, using air fresheners, or even hiring a professional cleaning service.
Structural
Major structural issues or repairs can be a deal-breaker for many buyers, and it’s essential to address them before staging the home. This could be done by fixing any leaks, repairing any damages, or even replacing any outdated appliances. By doing so, buyers will see that the house is well-maintained and ready to move in.
Safety Concerns
Safety hazards can be a major concern for buyers and can prevent them from even considering a home. It’s essential to address any potential safety hazards before staging the home. This could be done by fixing any loose stairs, securing any loose railings, or even installing smoke detectors. By doing so, buyers will see that the house is safe and ready to move in.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is crucial when it comes to home staging as it’s the first thing buyers will see when they come to view the house. It’s essential to make sure the house stands out in a positive way. This could be done by adding a fresh coat of paint, adding new landscaping, or even installing new lighting fixtures. By doing so, buyers will see that the house is well-maintained and ready to move in.
Professional Photos
Professional photography is crucial when it comes to home staging as it’s the first thing buyers will see when they come across the listing. It’s essential to showcase the house in the best possible light. This could be done by hiring a professional photographer, using high-quality cameras and equipment, or even using virtual staging and video tours to give buyers a realistic view of the house.
The Ideal Buyer
Target audience is crucial when it comes to home staging as it’s essential to tailor the staging accordingly. This could be done by understanding the demographic of the area, understanding the lifestyle of the target audience, or even understanding the price point of the house. By doing so, buyers will see that the house is perfect for them. Price point is crucial when it comes to home staging as it’s essential to tailor the staging accordingly. This could be done by understanding the price point of the house, understanding the target audience, or even understanding the lifestyle of the target audience. By doing so, buyers will see that the house is perfect for them. Virtual staging and video tours are crucial when it comes to home staging, especially during the times of social distancing. It’s essential to give buyers a realistic view of the house even when they cannot physically be there. This could be done by using virtual staging software, creating video tours, or even using 3D scanning technology. By doing so, buyers will get a better sense of the house and will be able to make an informed decision.