20 Home Staging Tips to Sell Your House Faster

In today’s competitive real estate market, it’s important to make your property stand out to potential buyers. Home staging is a proven strategy to attract more interest, sell faster, and even get a higher price for your home.

What Is Home Staging And Why Is It Important?

Home staging is the process of preparing and presenting a property in a way that highlights its best features and makes it more appealing to potential buyers. The goal is to create a welcoming and attractive environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Here are some key reasons why home staging is important:

First Impressions Count: Buyers often make up their minds within minutes of viewing a property. A well-staged home creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of the viewing.
Increased Appeal: Staging helps to showcase the property’s potential, making it more attractive to a wider range of buyers. This can lead to more viewings and increased interest.
Higher Offers: A staged home can create a sense of value, encouraging buyers to make higher offers. According to The Home Staging Association UK & Ireland, home staging can increase offers from between 1% to 15% higher than if you don’t dress your property.
Faster Sale: Staged homes tend to sell faster (up to 2x faster according to the Home Staging Association) than non-staged homes. By presenting your property in the best possible light, you can reduce the time it spends on the market

So let’s get to it. Here are 20 practical home staging tips to help you prepare your house for a quick and successful sale:

Home Staging Tips To Showcase The Full Potential Of Your Property

Boost Curb Appeal

Tip 1: Make a great first impression by ensuring your front door looks its best. Repaint it in an attractive, neutral color if needed. Polish the hardware until it shines.

Tip 2: Tidy up the exterior by washing windows, painting trim, replacing broken roof tiles, and removing any moss or weeds. Make sure your house number is clearly visible.

Tip 3: Spruce up your garden with basic maintenance – mow the lawn, trim hedges and shrubs, pull weeds, and add some colorful potted plants near the entrance.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Tip 4: Clear out the clutter! Put away personal items, family photos, and bold artwork so buyers can picture themselves living in the space. Consider renting a storage unit for excess belongings.

Tip 5: Create a clean, neutral palette by painting walls in light, appealing tones. Avoid bright, polarizing colors that may turn off some buyers.

Deep Clean and Repair

Tip 6: Ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned, including floors, rugs, windows, and nooks and crannies that aren’t cleaned regularly. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas are often scrutinized by buyers. Make sure there are no lingering odours of pets, bins or other unappealing smells.

Tip 7: Fix any minor repairs, such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, or squeaky doors. Addressing these issues shows buyers that the property has been well cared for.

Optimize Furniture Layout

Tip 8: The way furniture is arranged can significantly impact how a room is perceived. Optimize your furniture layout to create a comfortable and functional space that highlights the room’s best features. Avoid overcrowding rooms with too much furniture. Rearrange rooms to maximize space and flow.

Accessorize

Tip 9: Add accessories such as throw pillows, rugs, and artwork, to add colour and texture to the space. This can make the room feel more inviting and stylish. Live plants are an excellent way to liven up a space.

Focus on Key Rooms

Tip 10: Stage the rooms that have the biggest impact on buyers’ decisions – typically the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and dining room.

Tip 11: In the living room, define a focal point like a fireplace or window. Use furniture to create an inviting conversation area. Add some stylish throw pillows and a lush houseplant.

Tip 12: Update your kitchen by painting cabinets, installing modern hardware, and clearing countertops. Add a bowl of fresh fruit for a pop of color. Consider replacing appliances if they are very outdated.

Tip 13: In the primary bedroom, opt for luxurious, hotel-style bedding in a neutral palette. Clear off nightstands and dressers. Add some plush towels in the en-suite bathroom.

Enhance Lighting and Space

Tip 14: Take advantage of natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Add lamps to brighten up dark corners. Consider replacing heavy window treatments with something more sheer.

Tip 15: Make small spaces appear larger with strategic staging. Use mirrors to reflect light and space. Choose furniture with exposed legs rather than skirts. Paint walls and trim the same light color to eliminate visual boundaries.

Tip 16: Clear out closets and cabinets to about 30% full so they look roomy. Organize items neatly and use attractive storage boxes. Buyers will peek inside!

Create a Lifestyle

Tip 17: Help buyers envision their ideal lifestyle in your home. Set the dining room table with your best china and linens. Place a breakfast tray with coffee and a newspaper in the kitchen.

Tip 18: Highlight your outdoor living spaces by arranging patio furniture and setting up the grill. Buyers love to imagine themselves relaxing and entertaining outside.

Tip 19: Appeal to the senses with subtle touches like fresh flowers, a bowl of citrus fruits, or even chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Avoid strong candles or air fresheners that may seem like you’re masking odours.

Bring in the Pros

Tip 20: Consider hiring a professional home stager, especially if you have a higher-end property. Professional home stagers can also supply furniture, accessories, and decor to enhance your property’s appeal.

Home Staging Tips for Different Property Types

The staging approach may vary depending on the type of property you’re selling. Here are some tips for different property types:

Flats and Apartments: In smaller spaces, decluttering and creating a sense of flow is crucial. Use multi-functional furniture and strategic lighting to make the space feel larger and more inviting.
Townhouses and Terraced Homes: Highlight the vertical space by drawing the eye upwards with tall houseplants or strategically placed artwork. Create distinct zones for living, dining, and relaxing.
Detached Homes: Showcase the property’s spaciousness by arranging furniture in a way that allows for easy movement. Create a cohesive flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Historic Properties: Embrace the property’s character and history by incorporating period-appropriate furnishings and decor. However, be careful not to overdo it, as you still want the space to feel fresh and inviting.
New Builds: In new construction properties, staging can help potential buyers envision the possibilities. Use furniture and decor to showcase the property’s modern features and create a sense of contemporary living.

These Home Staging Tips Will Help You Achieve A Successful Sale

Staging creates an aspirational space that buyers can emotionally connect with. The key is to declutter, depersonalize, and neutralize your home’s decor while still highlighting its best features and creating a welcoming feel. Focus your efforts on the rooms that matter most to buyers and don’t forget the importance of curb appeal.

If your property is vacant, staging is even more critical so rooms don’t look stark and empty. Consider renting modern furnishings and decor that fit your home’s style.

With homes often selling faster and for more money, it’s no wonder staging has become an expected part of the selling process. So before you put your home on the market, set the stage for success! A little staging can go a long way in helping you achieve your sales goals.

Get The Best Agents To Show Your Property

At Kirkland Estate Agents, we are here to support you every step of the way in your property selling journey. If you have any questions or need assistance with how best to present your property to the market, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your property sale.

For enquiries and to get in touch with the team, click on the button below.

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