Home staging is a crucial step in preparing a property for sale, as it can greatly impact a potential buyer’s first impression. Here’s a home staging checklist to help make your property more appealing:
- Clean and Declutter:
- Clean every room thoroughly, including carpets, windows, and appliances.
- Declutter by removing personal items, excess furniture, and pre-pack any items smaller than a melon (smaller items photograph as clutter).
- Depersonalize:
- Minimize personal touches like family photos to help potential buyers envision the home as their own.
- Remove all items with initials or letters representing your name.
- Neutralize Colors:
- Choose neutral paint colors to create a blank canvas, making it easier for buyers to imagine their own style in the space. If you want a little color, we suggest Benjamin Moore Pale Oak. For a clean white look, try Swiss Coffee (a little warmer) or White Dove.
- Maximize Natural Light:
- Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.
- Remove heavy drapes; allow buyers to see the windows and the outside.
- Furniture Arrangement:
- Rearrange furniture to create an open and inviting flow. Make sure the furniture emphasizes the focal point of each room.
- Ensure that each room has a defined purpose, showcasing its potential. In some cases, this means returning a room to its original purpose.
- Re-Make Your Beds:
- Add layers and/or pillows for a more inviting look.
- Try pulling back your spread partway or adding a throw blanket to create layers.
- Make Repairs:
- Address any visible repairs or maintenance issues, such as leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors.
- Curb Appeal:
- Create an inviting exterior by maintaining the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding potted plants or flowers near the entrance.
- Ensure the front door is clean and in good condition. You have about 90 seconds to make a great first impression!
- Smell Matters:
- Eliminate any odors, especially pet or cooking smells. Also, eliminate all air fresheners. Not all buyers have the same preference, so avoid heavy perfume smells. Try Freshwave Odor Removing Gel to eliminate tough odors.
- Hide the Trash:
- Literally, hide all trash cans from your listing photos. When was the last time you saw a trash can in a magazine picture of a kitchen or bathroom?
Remember, the goal is to make your home appealing to the widest range of potential buyers. A well-staged home can help buyers connect emotionally and visualize themselves living there.