If you’re ready to sell your house, then staging is a must! Whether you’re working with an expert or embarking on a DIY project, staging your home will set you up for success. Consider how many homes people tour when searching for the perfect fit. You want yours to stand apart from the crowd, and with a few changes, it can! Here are our top nine eye-catching staging tips to make your listing pop:
Embrace the Natural
Natural textures and materials are super on-trend — they look nice and are often also good for the environment. Embrace these when staging your home, so it’s in touch with what buyers might see on the market. Wicker furniture, neutral shades (like creams, sage, and beige), and plants (either real or fake) will make people feel at home in your space. Bamboo is also having a moment, so consider where you might add unique elements, like bamboo dividers or other accents.
Stay Neutral
In keeping with the natural trend is the neutral trend. Overly bold paint colors can overwhelm and distract buyers as they tour your space. When it comes to your interior walls, opt for colors that match everything, like off-whites and creams. You can then build on these colors to make a space look more inviting.
Amp Up the Lighting
Natural light is key to attracting buyers, so be sure to let in as much as possible. If there’s one room of your home in particular that gets great light, let it shine! For rooms with less light or which need a touch of design help, statement lamps can make a big difference. Make sure any light fixtures are modern. A bold chandelier can make a small room feel larger, while a floor lamp can fill out an otherwise bare room. Look at what your room needs and then decide on the best way to light it up.
Consider Your Accessories
The number one requirement of staging? Get rid of your clutter! Clutter is aesthetically overwhelming and also suggests that a home is in use. You want your home to look approachable, so potential buyers can easily envision themselves there. That means removing any overly personal touches, like family photos, memorabilia, or artwork that doesn’t quite go. Decluttering doesn’t mean leaving the space barren, however. A few well-placed accessories can make a room look chic. Consider some statement vases or a large mirror. Mirrors also make rooms look bigger, so it’s a win-win!
Focus on the Kitchen and Bathrooms
The kitchen and bathrooms take more wear and tear than any other room, which is why it’s especially important to stage them to perfection. Both of these rooms could likely use a thorough scrubbing, so start by cleaning them to perfection. Remove as many countertop scuffs and stains as possible. Clean the grout, re-caulk decaying areas, and maybe even slap on a fresh coat of paint. Next, take a look at your appliances. They need to be modern, and steel appliances are a surefire way to accomplish an upscale feel. Depending on how high-end your property is, you may need to replace some appliances with smarter, energy-efficient ones. Buyers like seeing smart sinks, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
The bathroom should come across as a potential oasis. Buyers today want to escape to their bathrooms, which is why soaking tubs and smart toilets have become so popular. If your appliances need a serious upgrade, consider sleek, compact models. Bathrooms with storage space are also standouts, so if yours have room to store, emphasize that! Remove all of your personal products and let those empty shelves shine. Add a couple of white or off-white hand towels, and you have a nicely staged bathroom.
Emphasizing Outdoor Spaces
We’ve spent a lot of time at home over the last year or so, which is why usable outdoor spaces have become so important. Buyers want areas where they can play, exercise, and entertain. Whether your home has a deck, patio, or pool area, you need your setup to look polished and ready to entertain. A few pieces of well-placed outdoor furniture can stage a convivial scene. If you already have outdoor furniture, make sure it’s as clean as possible. If you think you’ll use it in the future, consider investing in a fire pit. It acts as a nice centerpiece and will make buyers excited to spend time in your cozy outdoor space.
Boost Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior is its first impression, so don’t skimp on making improvements. Check to see if parts of your home need a fresh coat of paint. Are your shutters clean and intact? How about your windows? Get out the power washer and spray your front walkway and stoop until it shines. You should also place a planter or two on the doorstep to give the entrance a polished look.
If you’re lucky enough to have a yard and/or garden, clear away any debris and make sure that your plants are in good shape. A trip to your local garden center can help you find some new additions that will add color and texture to your home.
Add Final Touches
To take your staged home above and beyond, add some discreet final touches, such as vases of freshly cut flowers or the occasional candle. As long as you don’t overwhelm the space with sights and smells, these additions will help make the place feel homey. Be sure to eliminate any excess noise from TVs or radios. You want buyers to walk into your home and feel free to breathe, walk, and think.
Looking to sell your Michigan home? Contact Realtor Austin Black II for help navigating the real estate landscape.