Home staging is the art of preparing your home for sale by highlighting its best features and creating a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Home staging can make a big difference in how quickly and how much your home sells for, especially in a competitive market.
But home staging is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Depending on the season and the market trends, you may need to adjust your home staging to suit the preferences and expectations of the buyers. Here are some tips on how to update your home staging according to the season and market trends.
Seasonal Home Staging Tips
Seasonal home staging is about creating a cozy and festive mood that matches the time of the year. You want to make your home look inviting and comfortable, but not too cluttered or personal. Here are some seasonal home staging tips for each season:
- Spring: Spring is a time of renewal and freshness, so you want to make your home look bright and airy. Use light and neutral colors, such as white, beige, or pastel shades, for your walls, curtains, and bedding. Add some pops of color with fresh flowers, green plants, or colorful pillows and throws. Open the windows and let the natural light and breeze in. Clean and declutter your home, especially the entryway, kitchen, and bathrooms. Remove any signs of winter, such as heavy blankets, snow boots, or holiday decorations.
- Summer: Summer is a time of fun and relaxation, so you want to make your home look cool and breezy. Use light and natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or bamboo, for your curtains, bedding, and rugs. Choose colors that reflect the summer vibe, such as blue, green, yellow, or coral. Add some tropical or nautical elements, such as seashells, starfish, or palm leaves, to create a beachy or coastal theme. Turn on the ceiling fans and the air conditioning to keep your home comfortable. Set up some outdoor furniture and accessories, such as a patio set, a hammock, or a fire pit, to showcase your outdoor living space.
- Fall: Fall is a time of warmth and coziness, so you want to make your home look snug and inviting. Use rich and warm colors, such as burgundy, orange, brown, or gold, for your walls, curtains, and bedding. Add some texture and layering with wool, velvet, or faux fur pillows, throws, and rugs. Incorporate some fall-themed decorations, such as pumpkins, leaves, pine cones, or candles, to create a festive and seasonal ambiance. Turn on the fireplace and the lamps to create a soft and cozy glow. Bake some cookies or apple pie to fill your home with a delicious aroma.
- Winter: Winter is a time of elegance and sophistication, so you want to make your home look chic and luxurious. Use dark and rich colors, such as navy, black, gray, or purple, for your walls, curtains, and bedding. Add some sparkle and glamour with metallic, crystal, or glass accents, such as mirrors, chandeliers, or vases. Incorporate some winter-themed decorations, such as snowflakes, pine trees, or wreaths, to create a festive and seasonal ambiance. Turn on the heating and the candles to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. Play some soft music or classical tunes to set the mood.
Market Trends Home Staging Tips
Market trends home staging is about understanding the current demand and supply of the housing market and tailoring your home staging to appeal to the most likely buyers. You want to make your home look attractive and competitive, but not too trendy or outdated. Here are some market trends home staging tips for 2024:
- High home prices and high mortgage rates: According to Zillow, home prices and mortgage rates are expected to remain high in 2024, making affordability a major challenge for many home buyers. This means that you need to make your home look worth the price and the investment. Highlight the features and benefits of your home, such as the location, the size, the layout, the upgrades, or the amenities. Show how your home can save money or generate income, such as by having energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, or a rental unit. Provide a list of comparable sales or a home appraisal to justify your asking price.
- Low housing inventory and high buyer demand: According to Bankrate, housing inventory is still tight and buyer demand is still high in 2024, making competition fierce for home buyers. This means that you need to make your home stand out from the crowd and attract multiple offers. Make your home look move-in ready and hassle-free, by fixing any repairs, cleaning any stains, or updating any fixtures. Make your home look spacious and functional, by decluttering any excess items, rearranging any furniture, or adding any storage solutions. Make your home look appealing and memorable, by adding some personality, style, or flair, such as a fresh coat of paint, a statement piece of art, or a unique accessory.
- Rising popularity of remote work and online shopping: According to Forbes, remote work and online shopping are becoming more popular and convenient in 2024, changing the way people live and work. This means that you need to make your home look adaptable and versatile, by showing how your home can accommodate different needs and lifestyles. Show how your home can offer a comfortable and productive workspace, such as by having a dedicated home office, a quiet corner, or a fast internet connection. Show how your home can offer a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience, such as by having a secure delivery box, a spacious garage, or a smart doorbell. Show how your home can offer a relaxing and entertaining living space, such as by having a cozy fireplace, a large TV, or a game room.
Conclusion
Home staging is a powerful tool to sell your home faster and for more money, but it requires some planning and creativity. By following these tips on how to update your home staging according to the season and market trends, you can make your home look irresistible and irresistible to potential buyers. Happy selling!