There’s no denying that home staging helps increase profits; in fact, spending as little as $200 on staging could pay pack ten-fold when it comes time to make a sale. However, because real estate investors tend to focus on the functionality of the home and fixing major maintenance issues, it can be easy to look over those finishing touches. Fortunately, there are a few tips investors may find useful when it comes to staging a home for success.
DO Create a Blank Slate
One of the first steps you’ll want to take is to create a “blank slate” of sorts. Strive to make each space within the home as neutral as possible so that it will appeal to the widest audience of buyers. This means re-painting that bright purple wall a neutral beige or cream color, in addition to replacing those wacky window treatments with something more traditional.
DON’T Ignore Curb Appeal
One of the worst things you can do when staging a home is to completely ignore its curb appeal. You might be selling the most beautiful home on the inside, but if the exterior of the home isn’t inviting, you’re going to turn a lot of prospective buyers off right away. Take some time to have exterior brick or siding replaced, and call in a landscaping company to trim overgrown trees and shrubs. You may even want to consider having a new exterior door installed for added curb appeal.
DO Add Warmth With Lighting
The spaces within the home you’re selling–even those without a lot of natural light exposure–need to be bright, light, and airy in order to attract today’s home buyers. You can play up a limited amount of natural light by incorporating reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, into your decor. Furthermore, adding lamps and pendant lighting can also brighten up a space dramatically.
DON’T Make it Too Personal
While you’re staging the home, be sure to keep in mind that the idea of staging is to help all prospective buyers better imagine themselves living in the home themselves. To be able to do this, you’ll need to make sure that your decor isn’t too personal. For example, you might find an adorable wine rack to use in staging the kitchen, but if a prospective buyer doesn’t drink, this could actually be a subtle turn-off for them when they tour the home.
DO Deodorize as Needed
If the home’s previous owners had pets, you may also need to take the time to deodorize the home in addition to any visual staging that may occur. This could require you to have the carpets professionally shampooed in addition to plugging in some scent boosters or taking other steps to neutralize any lingering odors that might leave prospective buyers uncomfortable. After all, a house tour isn’t just about sight; it incorporates all the senses.
DON’T Be Afraid to Call a Pro
Finally, if you’re having trouble at any point of the staging process, don’t hesitate to contact a home staging expert for some professional assistance. These people stage homes for a living and will be able to take the burden off your shoulders. Ultimately, you can rest assured that your home will look great; not to mention, hiring a stager can be a lot more affordable than you would think.
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to staging a home for maximum profits and a quick sale. If you’re in need of any assistance with your real estate investment along the way, please feel free to contact us to speak with a professional.