How to Stage Your Home for a Quick Sale

Staging your home can make a huge difference in the time it takes to sell, and the final selling price. Buyers want to envision themselves in the living space, and strategic staging can help to create that vision. However, staging doesn’t need to be expensive. Here are some of Team vanRahan’s tips to stage your home yourself for the quickest sale possible. 

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

–Clear out Clutter: When you think about staging, you might think about adding items. However, the opposite can be true as well. The first step is to remove all unnecessary items. Remember that buyers are interested in seeing the space itself, not your belongings. 

–Limit Personal Items: Family photos, unique collections, and personal decor can be distracting. While furniture can be helpful for a buyer to see the possibilities of the space, the bigger idea is to create a clean slate. It is easier for a buyer to imagine their own life in the home when your personal items are out of the picture. 

2. Clean Thoroughly

-Deep Clean: A clean house is essential for the most positive showings. Dust, mop, and polish surfaces until they sparkle. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to handle the harder to reach areas.

3. Emphasize Natural Light

-Let in Light: Bright, open spaces feel more inviting. Open all blinds and curtains, especially during showings. 

-Upgrade Lighting: Consider replacing dim or dated fixtures with brighter, more modern ones. Ensure every bulb is working and choose the right kind of lighting. For a cozy feel, install warm toned lighting. For a more modern, clean look, choose natural or white lighting. 

4. Focus on Key Rooms

-Living Room: Arrange furniture in a way that feels open and conversational. You can try using neutral coloured decor to appeal to a broad range of tastes. 

-Kitchen: Clear countertops of appliances and make sure everything is spotless, especially the sink. Add a small vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit to brighten up the space. 

-Primary Bedroom: Create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere with fresh linens, minimal furniture, and soft lighting. 

-Bathroom: Fresh towels, a new shower curtain, and a few plants can instantly update the appearance of your bathroom with minimal cost. 

5. Neutralize Colours

-Stick to neutral tones: In some cases, bold colours can be off-putting. Repainting rooms in shades of white, beige, or gray can make your home appear much bigger, and allows potential buyers to picture their own decor. 

6. Highlight the Home’s Best Features

-Create Focal Points: Draw attention to your home’s best features, such as a fireplace, large windows or high ceilings, by arranging furniture to accentuate them. 

-Use Mirrors: Mirrors can create the illusion of space and reflect natural light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. 

7. Stage the Outdoors

-Curb Appeal Matters: First impressions count, so make sure the exterior is welcoming. Power wash siding, mow the lawn, consider upgrading your gardens or adding potted plants by the front door. 

Staging doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Although it requires a bit of effort, by following these tips you’ll make your home inviting, attractive, and maximize your chances of a quick sale.