When you think of staging a home, you probably think of the picturesque houses one would find on an episode of “Love it or List it.” While many would see something like that and think it is unattainable, there is a certain necessity for staging when trying to get the highest offer for a house.
Working with a professional to stage a home is the best way to get it ready for the market. Buyers love seeing a home that allows them to imagine themselves with an ideal lifestyle. But working with a professional is not an option for everyone, especially sellers who may be on a budget.
However, staging doesn’t always have to be a tedious and expensive process. There are many simple and affordable changes that can be made to help potential buyers envision their lives in a new home that will pay off greatly when it comes to the final selling price, and how long a house stays on the market.
Think Outside the House
When it comes to the outdoor area, curb appeal is often just as important to buyers as the inside of the home. Better Homes and Gardens recommends taking the time to spruce up the outside of the home. A mowed lawn, pulled weeds, greenery and flowers are key to making a house look like a home from the outside.
Unfortunately not everyone has a green thumb, but running out to buy a few plants and putting them in the ground can be both easy and inexpensive, and the time and money that is put into sprucing up the outdoor space will increase the value of the home. In some cases, this manageable task will help sellers get way more money for their homes than they previously would have.
Remove Anything too Personal
Although a child’s drawing on the fridge can be a cherished keepsake, having personal items like kid’s artwork, family photos, and collectibles visible can make it hard for buyers to picture their lives in a home, because it is already being lived in by someone else.
While sentimental items are nice to have and display, it’s best to tuck them away while the house is being shown. This will create a blank canvas for buyers to see endless possibilities of their future in the home. According to Realtor.com, It is also important to get rid of hygiene items in visible spaces, to keep areas like the bathroom counter free of germs.
Make the Most of Smaller Spaces with a Mirror
Does the home have any less-than-ideal-sized spaces like a tiny dining room or a cramped entryway? Better Homes and Gardens suggests adding a mirror to the space. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book for making a small area feel more open and spacious.
Hanging a large mirror on the wall will reflect the space to make it appear double the size, so when buyers walk in they are not so focused on the dimensions of the area and can take it in for what the space has to offer, rather than the lack of square footage. Mirrors like this can be found at budget-friendly home decor stores, flea markets, and even garage sales so they don’t break the bank.
Let Natural Light Steal the Show
To a similar effect of mirrors, windows can also create the illusion of a more open space. Additionally, when you allow the home’s access to natural light to shine, it gives potential buyers a warm and happy feeling when walking into the space.
It’s important to keep blinds open, curtains pulled back, and moving any large pieces of furniture that could obstruct the windows and block the light out of the way, according to the National Association of REALTORS.®This will create a comforting feeling and positive thoughts about the home for many buyers for whom natural light is a must. This is a quick and free fix that can make all the difference when selling a home and causes no sweat.
Use Small Decorative Touches to Create an Unforgettable Home
Certain decorative elements can be extremely helpful for selling a home, but they don’t have to break the bank. Having a few pops of color that match throughout the home is a great way to make the home memorable for buyers. Matching decor like lamps, curtains, throw pillows and blankets can create a more cohesive and attractive environment for buyers who try to imagine themselves in the home.
Similarly, the Star recommends adding floral touches like table centerpieces, wreathes, and potted or hanging plants placed tastefully in different areas of the home give buyers a sense of coziness and can boost the elegance of any space. Another great touch is adding a large, but timeless piece of artwork to any space in the home to make it stand out from other houses in the buyer’s memory when thinking about putting in an offer.
