A Forbes housing market forecast reports that in 2024, selling homes may present challenges due to persistently high home prices and elevated mortgage rates, limiting the pool of qualified buyers. Additionally, while certain areas may experience increased foreclosure activity, overall market conditions remain uncertain, potentially adding to the difficulty sellers face in finding willing buyers at desired price points.
All this is to say that there are so many factors coming together for property owners to have a hard time selling their homes. If you’re one of them, here are some staging ideas to help you sell your home to qualified buyers more quickly:
Declutter Every Room
Decluttering is essential for creating a sense of spaciousness and tidiness throughout your home. Start by removing unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and floors. Put away personal items like family photos and memorabilia to depersonalize the space and allow potential buyers to envision themselves living there.
Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily store excess furniture and belongings if necessary. Remember to declutter closets and storage areas as well, as buyers will likely want to inspect these spaces. By decluttering every room, you create a clean, organized environment that will appeal to buyers and make your home feel move-in ready.
Depersonalize Your Space
Depersonalizing your home involves removing personal items and décor that reflect your individual taste and style. While these items may hold sentimental value for you, they can be distracting for potential buyers. Aim for a neutral, universally appealing aesthetic that allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the space.
Pack away family photos, religious items, and other personal memorabilia to create a blank canvas. Consider replacing bold or unique artwork with more neutral pieces that won’t overwhelm the room. Depersonalizing your space helps buyers focus on the features of the home itself rather than your personal belongings.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light can make a home feel bright, airy, and welcoming. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible during showings. If your windows are small or obstructed, consider removing heavy drapes or furniture that blocks light. Clean windows inside and out to ensure maximum light penetration and clarity.
If privacy is a concern, opt for sheer curtains or blinds that still allow light to filter through. Maximize natural light in every room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will leave a positive impression on potential buyers.
Neutralize Paint Colors
While bold paint colors may suit your personal style, they can be off-putting to potential buyers with different tastes. Repainting walls in neutral tones like beige, gray, or soft white can help create a blank canvas for buyers to envision their own décor. Neutral colors also make rooms feel brighter, larger, and more cohesive.
Before painting, patch any holes or imperfections in the walls and apply a fresh coat of paint to ensure a clean, polished look. By neutralizing paint colors throughout your home, you increase its appeal to a wider range of buyers and make it easier for them to imagine themselves living there.
Highlight Architectural Features
Every home has unique architectural features that contribute to its character and charm. Make these features the focal points of each room by arranging furniture to showcase them. For example, position seating around a fireplace to highlight it as a cozy gathering spot. Use lighting and décor to draw attention to crown molding, built-in bookcases, or other architectural details.
By highlighting these features, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your home but also help buyers appreciate its unique character and craftsmanship.
Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of a home. Replace outdated or dim lighting fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options to brighten up your space. Choose fixtures that complement your home’s style and décor while providing ample illumination.
In addition to overhead lighting, consider adding task lighting in key areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Upgrading lighting fixtures is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the look and feel of your home and make it more appealing to buyers.
Stage Furniture Strategically
The way you arrange furniture can have a significant impact on the look and feel of a room. Arrange furniture to create a natural flow and maximize space in each room. Avoid blocking windows, doorways, or natural pathways, as this can make rooms feel cramped and awkward. If your furniture is outdated or worn, consider renting or borrowing more modern pieces for staging purposes.
Remove excess or bulky furniture to make rooms feel more spacious and inviting. By strategically staging furniture, you can showcase the potential of each room and help buyers envision themselves living in the space.
Create Inviting Outdoor Spaces
Don’t overlook the importance of curb appeal when selling your home. Enhance your outdoor spaces to create a positive first impression on potential buyers. Start by maintaining a well-manicured lawn and landscaping, trimming bushes and hedges, and removing any dead plants or debris. Add pops of color with seasonal flowers or potted plants to brighten up your entryway.
Consider adding outdoor seating areas or accessorizing your patio or deck to showcase the potential for outdoor entertaining. By creating inviting outdoor spaces, you make your home more attractive to buyers and increase its overall appeal.
Refresh Kitchen and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most important rooms for buyers, so it’s essential to make them shine. Start by decluttering countertops and cabinets to create a clean, organized look. Replace outdated fixtures like faucets, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures with more modern options. If your budget allows, consider upgrading countertops, backsplashes, or flooring to give these rooms a fresh, updated look.
Add decorative touches like fresh flowers, stylish towels, and decorative accessories to enhance the overall ambiance. By refreshing your kitchen and bathrooms, you can make a big impact on potential buyers and increase the value of your home.
Make Minor Repairs
Attention to detail is crucial when preparing your home for sale. Take the time to address any minor repairs or maintenance issues that could turn off potential buyers. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose handrails, and other common problems. Patch holes in walls, touch up paint and replace cracked tiles or damaged flooring.
Investing in minor repairs shows buyers that your home has been well-maintained and cared for, which can instill confidence and trust. By taking care of these small issues upfront, you can prevent them from becoming bargaining points during negotiations and streamline the selling process.
Organize Closets and Storage Spaces
Buyers are always on the lookout for ample storage space, so it’s essential to showcase the storage potential of your home. Start by decluttering closets, cabinets, and storage areas to make them appear more spacious and organized. Remove any items you no longer need or use and consider investing in storage solutions like bins, baskets, or shelving units to maximize space.
Arrange items neatly and categorically to create a sense of order and accessibility. By organizing closets and storage spaces, you not only make your home more appealing to buyers but also demonstrate its full potential and functionality.
Invest in Professional Cleaning
A clean home is a must when it comes to selling real estate. Hire a professional cleaning service to thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom, including hard-to-reach areas like baseboards, light fixtures, and vents. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as windows, carpets, and upholstery.
A deep clean will remove dirt, dust, and allergens, leaving your home looking and smelling fresh. Professional cleaning can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived by potential buyers and increase its overall appeal.
Add Mirrors to Enhance the Space
Mirrors are a simple yet effective way to make rooms appear larger and brighter. Hang mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and create the illusion of more space. In narrow hallways or small rooms, strategically placed mirrors can visually expand the area and make it feel more open and airy.
Choose mirrors with decorative frames that complement your décor style and add visual interest to the room. By adding mirrors throughout your home, you can enhance its overall aesthetic appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Set the Mood with Scents
The sense of smell plays a powerful role in creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. Use subtle scents like vanilla, citrus, or fresh linen to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. Avoid strong or artificial fragrances that may be overwhelming or off-putting to sensitive buyers.
Consider using natural air fresheners like essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or fresh flowers to add a pleasant aroma to your space. By setting the mood with scents, you can create a positive first impression on potential buyers and make them feel more at ease during showings.
Highlight Versatile Spaces
If your home has bonus rooms, attics, basements, or other versatile spaces, showcase their potential to buyers. Stage these areas as home offices, gyms, guest bedrooms, or playrooms to demonstrate their flexibility and functionality. Use furniture, décor, and accessories to create inviting and functional spaces that buyers can envision themselves using.
Highlighting versatile spaces shows buyers that your home can adapt to their changing needs and lifestyle, making it more attractive and valuable. By showcasing these areas, you can help buyers see the full potential of your home and increase its appeal.
Enhance Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so it’s essential to make a good impression. Start by tidying up your front yard and entryway, removing any debris, weeds, or dead plants. Keep the lawn well-manicured, trim bushes and hedges, and add pops of color with seasonal flowers or potted plants.
Consider painting the front door and updating outdoor lighting fixtures to create a welcoming entry. Enhancing curb appeal not only makes your home more attractive to buyers but also sets a positive tone for their entire viewing experience.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
During showings, create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes potential buyers feel at home. Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and turn on soft lighting to create a cozy ambiance. Add plush throw blankets, accent pillows, and area rugs to create inviting seating areas where buyers can imagine themselves relaxing.
Play soft background music to enhance the mood and make buyers feel more comfortable and at ease. By creating a cozy atmosphere, you can make your home feel more welcoming and appealing to potential buyers.
Offer Refreshments
Providing refreshments during showings is a thoughtful gesture that can make potential buyers feel welcome and appreciated. Offer bottled water, fresh fruit, or homemade cookies to guests as they tour your home. This small touch can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your hospitality and attention to detail. Encourage buyers to take their time exploring your home and ask any questions they may have.
By offering refreshments, you create a positive and memorable experience for potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of a quick sale.