How To Stage Your Home And Add Value
It’s been suggested that staging a home in New Zealand can add, on average, 10 to 15% to its sale value. In some cases, if the staging is done well enough, it can add even more. So, I am surprised more vendors don’t do it. Whether it’s hiring furniture for an empty home, or styling a home using what you already have, staging is worth doing, and worth doing well.
Great staging will paint a picture for buyers – that picture is of them living in the home! This mental image is a huge driver in turning potential customers into real buyers, but it also reminds us that staging has to be done with buyers in mind rather than sellers.
Selling a home you’ve lived in for years can present a bit of a challenge when it comes to staging. What you feel comfortable with terms of how your home looks might not be so appealing to buyers. Staging demands that you view the property from a buyer’s eyes rather than your own. This is why it’s a good idea to consider bringing in a professional to stage your home for you, or to work with trusted friends who are honest enough to tell you that your style might not be to the taste of everyone. You really need to step out of your comfort zone when staging!
If you decide you want to do it on your own, I have assembled a handy list that walks you through the process step by step.
Plan Ahead
Walk through each room with a friend or family member and criticize each space from a buyer's perspective.
Ask a real estate agent for their advice – I am happy to help in this regard.
Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any repairs are needed.
Sell, donate or dispose of anything you don't need.
Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
Clean the entire home. Thoroughly!
Scrub the tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, paying close attention to the grout. Invest in a grout pen if the grout is still discoloured after cleaning.
Mop hardwood floors with a specialised wood floor cleaning product. The fragrance and results are worth it.
Steam clean carpets and drapes. If stains are prominent eyesore, consider new carpet.
Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
Paint interior walls with neutral colours, like beige, cream or light pastels. Pale blues and greens are good for bathrooms.
Remove excess and oversized furniture.
Rearrange furniture to maximize space.
Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes.
Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.
Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.
Remove items from the garage and store them off site.
Secure valuable items, including cash and jewellery.
Maximize Street Appeal
Paint the home's exterior, including trim, doors and shutters.
Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat.
Power wash the siding and windows.
Inspect the roof and make repairs if required. (A leaky roof on a rainy open home day is not a good look)
Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
Sweep the entryway and walkways.
Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
Plant colourful flowers and shrubs.
Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.
Clean up pet droppings.
Clean the gutters and downspouts.
Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms
Mop and wax/polish the floors.
Clear the countertops.
Replace outdated hardware.
Clean appliances and fixtures.
Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
Hang fresh towels.
Appeal To The Senses
Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.
Turn on all the lights.
Open windows to let in fresh air.
Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.
Turn off TVs.
Relocate pets on the day of the open house.
Refrain from smoking in the home. (Stale cigarette smoke is a huge turnoff)
Show Off Your Home's Best Features
Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.
Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.
Make sure fireplaces are in working condition.
Clean the backyard and pool area.
If you’re now convinced that staging should be part of your sale process, get in touch with me and let’s talk about it. There’s a lot to discuss, and even more to gain. I’d love to help you add lots of percentage points to your sale value.
