Realtors believe that staged homes sell faster with less haggling than non-staged one. For vacant homes, staging it with furniture, artwork and greenery give potential clients a view of what the home can look like and how their furniture may fit into it. Occupied homes may still need some tweaking in order to bring it to the expectations of the buyers. New to the market is virtual staging, where you send consultants pictures of your rooms, and they actually design and place furniture into the picture for online viewers. They can replace your furniture in the pictures with virtual images. The one caveat is that your home needs to reflect the online images when potential buyers actually see it.
Neutralize
If you have deep purple walls in one room and green and purple striped walls in another, it is time to neutralize. Choose a neutral palette and paint all rooms that can be seen from one vantage point the same color for a seamless, open feel to which many clients will immediately relate. Neutral does not mean white or boring. Your home will look pulled together with neutrals like a gray/beige or a mid-tone gold. Clean, crisp colors throughout are tasteful, and buyers know they have the option of changing the color. You want them to see themselves in your home, so do not be obstinate about this one. It is inexpensive and well worth it in the end.
Declutter
Clutter turns off most people, even the homeowners themselves. Go through the home methodically and remove personal photos that line the mantel, tabletops loaded with makeup, books and magazines heaped on the floor or on tables, closets that look like an explosion has occurred, or kitchen countertops that have every appliance and device you own. You will be amazed at how a clean look affects the psyche.
Curb Appeal
When clients approach your home, welcome them with a well-manicured lawn, a power-washed facade and front door, a neat and clean porch with perhaps healthy greenery and clean-cushioned seating. Blooming Flowers are always appealing and can be the showstopper. Passersby will be drawn to a home that is beautifully landscaped, and this is something you can do on your own with very little money. If you do not have a green thumb at all, and you are likely to do more harm than good, then leave it to a professional.
Ambience
Fresh cut flowers and a muted fragrance welcome prospective buyers as they explore your home. Neutralize any pet odors by steam cleaning and washing areas where your pet has been. Make sure bed linens and pillows are fresh and stain-free. Place nice artwork on the walls, but do not overdo it. Remove small scatter rugs and clean and shine the floors. Tile cleaning should be given priority because dirty, dingy grout, especially, will turn off buyers. If you have carpet, clean each room so that there are no lingering odors.
Furniture
Any piece of furniture that is visible should be pleasing to the eye. If rooms are stuffed with furnishings, remove some of it so people can move around easily. Create conversation areas in the common spaces. If your furniture is old or frayed, move it out to storage and rent nice pieces. In the master bedroom, especially, create a spacious feel and leave table tops free of anything except a lamp. If the night tables are too large, move one out and replace with a smaller table. If they are very small, remove the lamps and place lighting on the wall above the table. Books and magazines should be put away, and window treatments should be attractive.
Good first impressions may make the difference between a quick sale and a home that languishes on the market. The decision to buy begins on the exterior with the beautifully manicured front lawn, but do not forget about the backyard. It needs the same tender loving care as the front. Create an environment that will make potential buyers want to live there.
