Home staging is the art of preparing your home for sale by making it look attractive, inviting, and spacious. It can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price, especially in today’s competitive online market.
According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyers’ agents said that staging a home made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. Moreover, 40% of buyers were more willing to visit a home they saw online if it was staged.
So how can you use home staging to appeal to online buyers and generate more showings? Here are some tips to get you started:
Declutter and Depersonalize
The first step of home staging is to declutter and depersonalize your home. This means removing any excess or unnecessary items, such as furniture, clothes, books, toys, knickknacks, etc. You want to create a sense of space and openness, as well as a neutral and welcoming atmosphere.
You also want to depersonalize your home by removing any personal items, such as photos, diplomas, trophies, religious symbols, etc. You want to make your home appeal to a wide range of buyers, regardless of their background, preferences, or lifestyle. You want them to imagine themselves living in your home, not you.
Clean and Repair
The next step of home staging is to clean and repair your home. This means making sure that everything is spotless, shiny, and functional. You want to make a good impression on online buyers, who will scrutinize every detail of your home through photos and videos.
You also want to fix any minor issues, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, loose knobs, etc. You don’t want to give buyers any reason to doubt the quality or condition of your home. You want them to see that your home is well-maintained and ready to move in.
Update and Modernize
The third step of home staging is to update and modernize your home. This means making some cosmetic changes to your home, such as painting, replacing, or adding some accessories, such as curtains, pillows, rugs, lamps, etc. You want to make your home look fresh, stylish, and up-to-date, without spending too much money or time.
You also want to choose colors, patterns, and textures that are neutral, warm, and appealing. You want to avoid anything that is too bold, bright, or busy, as it might distract or deter buyers. You want to create a cozy and comfortable ambiance that suits your home’s style and architecture.
Highlight and Accentuate
The fourth step of home staging is to highlight and accentuate your home’s best features and selling points. This means arranging your furniture, lighting, and décor to showcase your home’s strengths, such as a fireplace, a view, a spacious kitchen, a cozy bedroom, etc. You want to draw buyers’ attention to what makes your home unique and desirable.
You also want to balance and harmonize your home’s layout and flow. You want to make sure that each room has a clear purpose and function, as well as a smooth transition to the next. You want to avoid any clutter, overcrowding, or emptiness, as it might confuse or bore buyers. You want to create a logical and appealing sequence that guides buyers through your home.
Add Some Finishing Touches
The final step of home staging is to add some finishing touches to your home. This means adding some fresh flowers, plants, candles, fruits, or other natural elements to your home. You want to make your home look alive, inviting, and pleasant, as well as add some color, fragrance, and texture to your home.
You also want to make sure that your home is ready for showings, both online and in person. You want to take some high-quality photos and videos of your home, highlighting its best angles and features. You want to post them on various online platforms, such as social media, websites, or apps, to reach as many potential buyers as possible. You want to schedule some open houses or private tours, and make sure that your home is clean, tidy, and welcoming when buyers arrive.
Conclusion
Home staging is a powerful tool that can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price, especially in today’s competitive online market. By following these tips, you can use home staging to appeal to online buyers and generate more showings. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it count!