Home Staging Tips

It’s important to remember that the way we photograph and show homes is not realistically the way we live in our homes on a day-to-day basis. Presenting your home in its best light is key to getting top dollar.  These home staging tips can make a world of difference in how buyers perceive your home and its value.

Areas of Influence

When staging your home to sell, focus on the main areas of influence where buyers typically make decisions on whether or not to consider a property or move on to other options. These include curb appeal, kitchens, living rooms, principal bedrooms and bathrooms.

A Fresh Perspective

We become accustomed to seeing our furniture in the same layout and our rooms used in the same way, but when it comes to staging, the first thing you should be open to is moving things around! Try to envision prospective buyers viewing your home, put your personal preferences aside and think of how most people would want to use the space so they can envision their future in your home.

Keep It Simple

Staging doesn’t need to break the bank. The key is creating one well executed element in each room, which is more efficient than feeling like you need to completely overhaul a room or outdoor space. Keeping the style simple is often more affordable, quicker to execute and will appeal to more buyers.

Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, so elevating your curb appeal will pay off in spades. A few affordable and quick suggestions are to power wash siding, gutters, decks and driveways to send the message that your home is well cared for and maintained. Paint the front door a bright colour that compliments your homes architecture. Replacing old lighting and mailboxes can add a modern flare. Top it off with some decorative, seasonal planters and a fresh welcome mat!

Kitchens

Simply put – kitchens sell houses. Always start with a deep clean, including inside cabinets and appliances. Wipe down stainless steel, so that it shines! Make your kitchen feel spacious and functional by removing seldomly used small appliances and excessive décor items so that countertops are clear and clean. Time to accessorize with a white vase of wooden utensils and a vibrant bowl of green apples! Edit items inside your cabinets and pantry. If they are too crammed, prospective buyers will feel there isn’t enough storage space or that the kitchen is too small. Highlight glass-front and display cabinets to create a beautiful vignette to draw a buyer’s attention. Achieve a designer look by displaying white china and dishes in dark cabinets and groupings of coloured items in white cabinetry; centering them within the glass pane.

Furniture Placement

Furniture placement can make a world of difference – and all it costs is a bit of heavy lifting! Usually, rooms where furniture pieces are lined up against every wall feel uninspired and often smaller than they actually are. Clear out the clutter and haul away redundant furniture pieces. You want potential buyers to be able to move around a room without being blocked by furniture. Make sure they can easily access your home’s best features like the fireplace, built-in cabinetry and showcase any architectural details. Strategic sightlines through windows will work to expand your rooms and create an additional area of interest.

Bedroom Makeovers

Creating a bedroom oasis will definitely elevate a buyer’s perception of value. The bed is the focal point and should be skillfully executed. White linens make a bed feel fresh and elegant; giving that hotel-vibe buyers are looking for. Add sophisticated layers of neutral pillows and frame the bed with nightstands on either side dressed with elegant lamps – the symmetry helps create a soothing space.

Set The Mood With Lighting

One of the things that make a home feel warm and welcoming is great lighting. A mishmash of warm and cool white lights throughout your home can be jarring. Change out bulbs to create a consistent glow throughout your spaces. Make sure you have three types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. These lights can be adjusted to create the perfect mood for both daytime and nighttime showings.

Keep Things Fresh

Steer away from fake plants and flowers. They often look cheap and do not add to the perception of value that you want a buyer to feel when they walk into a space. Instead, opt for fresh flowers, a carefully selected houseplant or a bowl of green apples or yellow lemons for a bit of sunshine.

Finishes Touches

You’re finally ready for the finishing touches! Depersonalize your space so that prospective buyers can feel at home. Replace family photos and personal artwork with more generic art. If you are struggling with a dark and heavy sofa, try layering cream or white pillows to lighten up the look. Be sure to add visual interest by combining different textures, sizes and shapes. Accessorize in threes – odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye, especially when organized in a triangle shape.  Play with scale so the larger item is at the back with two smaller items in front. Have fun experimenting with colour, shape and textures!

Staging your home to sell is worth the investment of time and money. Following these staging tips will ensure that your home’s best features are showcased, allow a buyer to envision themselves in your home and elevate the perception of value which will separate you from the competition and help you to get top dollar!