One of the most important aspects of selling your home is making it look like an attractive option to potential buyers. While you may love your current home, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Fortunately, even if your home is not in perfect condition, you can fake the look by staging your home.
Staging won’t always increase the value of your house, but it will help buyers be more comfortable with viewing the home and making an offer if they can easily picture themselves living there. A staged home could mean the difference between a home that is on the market for a few weeks and a home that is on the market for a few months.
1. Clean Your Home
The best way to improve the look of your home is to deep clean it. Whether you do it yourself or having a cleaning service do it for you, make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned in all aspects – even the places you think no one will notice
2. Keep it Neutral
The colors of your home can make a big difference to buyers. Even if it is not practical for you to repaint your bright red kitchen or your daughter’s lime green bedroom, consider investing in some rental furniture or a new, neutral bedspread. This especially applies to the master bedroom, which is the first bedroom that potential buyers look at. Make sure it appeals to both men and women.
3. Invest in the Kitchen
Brand new kitchen appliances can be considered in the cost of the home. To ensure that you get the most money possible, update your kitchen appliances. This will also show buyers that your home is up to date with the latest trends in appliances. If you can’t afford new appliances, brighten the kitchen by scrubbing or painting the cabinets or adding some lighting.
4. Treat Your Windows
Most homes are sold with the blinds still in the home, but the sellers often take the curtains with them. Leave the blinds, but update your curtains to create a practical, neutral look for buyers.
5. Clear Your Clutter
While you may have gotten used to seeing your toddler’s toys strewn about the living room floor, potential buyers will only see a mess. Invest in attractive storage options and keep all of your personal items in them until buyers are done looking at your house. Only keep out what is absolutely necessary or what adds value and aesthetics to the home.
6. Add Curb Appeal
Even if you aren’t an avid lawn keeper or landscaper, it is important to make sure that your home is as attractively staged on the outside. Be sure to mow your lawn on a regular basis, pull weeds as soon as you see them, and keep your shrubbery to a minimum. Consider investing in a lawn service if necessary.