Homebuyers often know within moments of walking into a home whether they’re interested in buying it. From curb appeal and landscaping to furniture and decorations, first impressions are everything. That’s why you need to do everything in your power to make that first impression a great one.
Are you itching to sell your home but aren’t sure how in the world you’re going to get it ready for all those showings? Maybe you should consider staging.
What is Staging?
Home staging is defined as the preparation of a home for sale on the real estate market. The process typically involves cleaning, rearranging, and redecorating and should cover both the interior and exterior of the property.
In broad strokes, think of it as “setting the stage” for potential buyers. In simpler terms, it’s about making your house look as nice as humanly possible. The goal of staging, first and foremost, is to make your home look and feel aesthetically warm and appealing and to attract the interest of high-quality homebuyers.
What Are the Benefits of Home Staging?
What are the benefits of staging your home? Well, the first and most obvious benefit is that it works. The proof is in the numbers. Staged homes remarkably sell 73% faster than homes that are not staged.
Beyond that, staged homes show better. When people step foot inside a staged house during a showing, they’re more likely to get those warm and exciting feelings that make them want to buy. Why? Because buyers purchase based on feelings.
A thoughtfully and professionally arranged home allows buyers to easily picture themselves living inside it. If they can see themselves happily living in your home, then they’re much more likely to put in an offer.
3 Quick Tips for Effective Home Staging from the Experts
Of course, not every home needs professional staging. With the right levels of experience, patience, and thoughtfulness, this is something you can definitely do yourself. For those wanting to tackle home staging independently, here are three quick tips to get you started.
1. Deep Clean and Declutter
If you’re going to sell your home, it needs to look its best, and that starts with cleaning and decluttering. So, even if you’re a person that cleans every day and always leaves their house looking sparkling and spotless, an extra sweep, mop, vacuum, and dust won’t hurt.
And when decluttering, it’s best to get rid of anything that doesn’t have an obvious and immediate function. (Does that lamp that’s not even plugged in bring you joy?) Buyers are more likely to buy a new home that looks stylish, clean, and clutter-free.
2. Depersonalize
Don’t dictate how the home should be lived in. When homebuyers walk through the house, you want them to imagine themselves owning and living in it. If they keep seeing pictures or evidence of another family, then they’re more likely to feel like visitors, which may stop them from putting in an offer.
3. Focus on the High Traffic Areas
No time or budget to stage the entire house? Then just focus on the high traffic areas during a showing: the entryway and living room. Your living room and entryway are two of your home’s most prominent spaces, so leaving them empty or, worse, cluttered won’t impress potential buyers.
Is Staging Your Home Worth It?
Is staging your home worth it? Will staging your home help it sell faster? Can staging increase your home’s selling price? These are all wonderful, pertinent questions and, funny enough, they all have the same answer: yes!
Staging your home can have a tremendous impact on selling price, how fast the house sells, and how many offers you’ll receive. In fact, it might be the most ideal way to give yourself an edge in this ever-shifting and complex real estate market.
If you live in Jacksonville or anywhere in Northeast Florida and want to get some advice from a professional, contact the Welch Team today! Staging your home might be way easier than you think.
