You may try dozens of different strategies to sell your home, but it all comes down to how your house actually looks on the ground. You can attract many buyers through various online marketing techniques, but the final decision depends on how your home appeals to the buyers.
That’s why staging a home is a revolutionary marketing strategy that not just makes your house visually attractive but also adds value in terms of the sales price.
It’s all about making your home’s ambience warm and inviting for visitors and turning it into a perfect atmosphere for love at first sight. Home staging can make your property irresistible, leaving a lasting impression that will have buyers dreaming of making it their own.
So how to do it? In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to stage a home to sell. We’ll also share some insider tips and tricks to transform your space into a beautiful showpiece.
What is meant by Staging a Home?
Staging a home means you decorate, refurnish, and rearrange the settings of your house for prospective homebuyers to come, see and imagine themself living there in the future.
Just like when the film producer sets the stage for shooting a scene, they carefully arrange the props, lighting and camera angles to create a visually stunning scene.
Staging for real estate follows the same approach. You smartly rearrange the furniture, place contemporary decor, and utilize the lighting to highlight the aesthetics of your home.
The goal is to enhance the overall optics of the home, ensuring that every aspect is visually appealing and optimized to leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
How to Stage a Home to Sell
Whether you’re selling a fixture-upper or a brand-new luxury house, follow these essential steps to ensure your house is showcased in the best possible way and captures the hearts of buyers.
1. Deep Cleaning Inside and Out
First things first, roll up those sleeves and get ready to tackle the deep cleaning and necessary repairs. It’s time to scrub away any dirt, dust, or grime that may have tarnished the appearance of your home.
A sparkling clean home is like a breath of fresh air for potential buyers.
Make sure to start with curb appeal because it sets the tone for what lies beyond it. A nice, clean curb appeal creates an instant positive impression and encourages buyers to explore further.
Make sure the exterior is well groomed, with trimmed hedges, a freshly manicured lawn and a clutter-free front porch.
2. Declutter and Create a Neutral Space.
In the second step, you should focus on creating a clutter-free and neutral environment. Remove personal items and unnecessary belongings to allow buyers to visualize themselves in the house.
By depersonalizing and decluttering, you create a blank canvas that enables buyers to imagine their own lives unfolding within the walls of your home. So, roll up your sleeves, tidy up, and let your home’s true potential shine through.
Related: How to Declutter Your Home: 6 Best Room-by-Room Methods
3. Illuminate your Space
A well-lit home is essential for creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. You can transform your space into a radiant haven by combining natural and artificial lighting.
Natural light brings warmth and a connection to the outdoors, while artificial light provides control and flexibility. To maximize lighting in your house, consider incorporating large windows, skylights, and light-coloured walls to optimize natural light.
Complement it with strategically placed lamps, recessed lighting, and task lighting to create layers of illumination. Dimmer switches allow for adjustable ambience, while smart lighting systems offer convenience and energy efficiency.
4. Arrange Furniture for Optimal Flow
Next, envision an optimal layout that allows for smooth movement and a natural flow from one area to another. Remove unnecessary pieces that clutter the space and hinder the room’s functionality.
Each room should have a clear purpose, whether it’s a cosy reading nook, a functional workspace, or a gathering spot for entertaining.
By strategically positioning your furniture, you’ll create a harmonious environment that maximizes space, highlights key features, and makes potential buyers feel right at home.
5. Spotlight Your Home’s Key Features
To make your home shine, it’s crucial to showcase its unique architectural elements and highlight its key features. Draw attention to eye-catching details such as fireplaces, exposed beams, or intricate mouldings. These elements add character and charm, captivating potential buyers.
Also, arrange furniture in a way that underscores the room’s purpose and emphasizes its space and functionality. By cleverly placing furniture and creating a clear focal point, you can guide buyers’ attention and help them envision how they would utilize each room.
Effective showcasing allows your home’s standout features to take centre stage, leaving a lasting impression and increasing its desirability in the eyes of potential buyers.
6. Leaving a Lasting Impression
When staging your home, it’s the little details that can make a significant impact. Paying attention to details adds a touch of sophistication and creates a memorable experience for potential buyers.
Consider adding tasteful accents like fresh flowers, stylish artwork, or decorative accents that complement the overall aesthetic.
You can also create a welcoming atmosphere using lightly scented candles, diffusers, or freshly baked goods. Pleasant aromas can evoke positive emotions and make buyers feel at ease.
Professional Home Staging vs DIY: Which is Better?
You might be wondering whether to hire a professional home staging company or to do it yourself. Both options have their merits. Consider your unique circumstances to decide which option is better suited for you.
Professional Home Staging
Professional home staging brings expertise, industry knowledge, and an objective eye to showcase your home’s best features. They can access a wide range of furniture and decor to create a polished look.
DIY
On the other hand, opting for a DIY approach can save costs and allow for a personal touch. It grants you control over the process and the ease of working at your preferred pace. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and confidence in your staging abilities.
Check these 7 Expert DIY Tips for Staging Your Home.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to get your house off the market and find the right buyer, it’s time to stage it either by yourself or spending some extra bucks on a professional staging company. Staging your house would not only make it more visually appealing for buyers, but it would also increase its sales price.
Staging helps highlight the home’s key features, improves its overall appearance, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. This enhanced presentation can lead to a higher perceived value and make buyers more willing to pay a premium price.
Follow the steps delineated in this guide to understand the best way to stage a home to sell. Remember, creating a visually appealing, well-organized, and inviting space can create a lasting impression that resonates with potential buyers.
Last modified: May 30, 2023
