Staging - What Home Sellers Can Do to Attract Buyers
Studies show that people generally make a list of ten houses when they start their search for a new home. They scour real estate agents and MLS sites to develop those lists and then seventy seven percent of them drive by before they contact a Realtor.
Once they have narrowed down their search, most people decide whether they are comfortable in a property within the first few seconds of entering; and when they are looking for a home, that first impression is crucial to a quick, well-priced sale. A home staging professional works with clients to prepare their home for sale by consulting on refining or refurbishing the visual look and feel of the property to ensure it is featured for its target market in the best possible way. The staging process can be complex, and getting the right advice is important.
Here are six simple tips to give the seller a head start.
Tip #1 - Enusre proper lighting.
Correct lighting is so important to every room. The standard staging advice is to turn on all the lights throughout the house to help show off the lighting. "Daylight" bulbs are best.
Tip #2 - Clean reflective surfaces.
Clean the windows inside and out and check other reflective surfaces throughout the house to bounce extra light. Consider all glass surfaces, fridges, counter tops, mirrors, and art.
Tip #3 - Go for curb appeal.
Go beyond cutting the grass and planting flowers. Think of it as drive-by appeal. Review the front door, get a new mat and make sure the house numbers are visable from the street. Check the outdoor lighting.
Tip #4 - Review the minor details.
Review your home for minor flaws. Pay attention to the smallest details as they are the ones that detract equity, such as dripping faucets, chipped paint, or cracks in the driveway.
Tip #5 - Ensure it shows well.
Ensure all selling features have been addressed. Pay attention to the focal points, sight lines, and traffic patterns. Check if your eyes are drawn to the best features.
Tip #6 - Put away the family photos.
All family photos and any extra items smaller than your fist should be packed away to make room for the new family. Closets need attention too, so pack away two-thirds of everything.
When prospective buyers walk through your home they are imagining themselves in it. You are selling the dream. The dream of what could be. You are creating a set where they can envision themselves living there. It has to have emotional appeal and be memorable. You want the buyer to identify with the home and the feelings it evokes within the first few seconds of entering. This is crucial if you wish to stand out from all the other homes on the market.
When you do not know where to start - hire a professional. Home staging is here to stay. It is not a fad or a trend but rather, a smart business practice. The best advice is being sure you complete the home staging process thoroughly and effectively before any marketing starts. You will have a hard time increasing the list price after it has been on the market.