Selling your home comes with its ups and downs but it doesn’t have to take endless walk-throughs and open homes. Here are 6 staging tips you can do yourself to help sell your home fast.
Add plants
One of the best tips for creating a home that feels cared for to prospective buyers is adding lots of plants. It’s better to add potted plants than to buy fresh flowers for each open home as potted plants show that you look after and care for your home, unlike fresh flowers which show that you cared enough to make your home feel special for today only. Don’t try to trick your prospects with fake greenery either, they won’t be fooled.
Add curb appeal
One of the easiest ways to turn away prospective buyers is to have an unloved-looking front garden. Add curb appeal with a mowed lawn, trimmed plants and weeded garden. If you have a wooden porch out front, make sure you restain the deck. This will help your home look welcoming and get them through the front door.
Clean, clean, clean
Of course, this one goes without saying, but to ensure you have as many bidders or prospects as possible you’ll need to clean your house from top to bottom, from inside to out. While any smart seller knows that they need to have a tidy home, you’ll attract more buyers if you make everything squeaky clean rather than just tidy. Mop the floors, wash the windows, dust every surface and vacuum everything, including the dog.
Decorate, minimally
If you have a lot of furniture and belongings in a small house, you might want to think about putting some of your belongings in storage, at least while you try to sell. Ensure your home looks as large as possible with minimal furniture and décor. Also, if your style is a bit more on the bold side, then you might want to think about buying some more neutral buyer-friendly home décor for cheap to display as you try to sell.
De-personalise your home
While you’re getting rid of any mess and too many belongings, you’ll also need to get rid of anything too personal. Family photos have got to go. It’s difficult for a buyer to really picture themselves living in the house if it feels like it’s still your home, not theirs. De-personalise the space by removing photos, letters, kid’s drawings, etc. on the fridge, hanging on the walls and elsewhere. Clear counters of personal items like toothbrushes, etc. and be sure to remove anything religious.
Add crisp new linens
Instead of showcasing to your prospective buyers the old towel that you’ve had since you were a teen, or your faded old bedspread, update all the linens in your home. Buy a couple of fresh white towels to display in the bathroom, replace your sheets and throws with crisp new linens and upgrade your rugs. If upgrading your rugs isn’t in your budget, then it’s worth investing in a deep clean by the professionals before you have your first open home.
