First impressions are critical. Just like the view from the curb may prevent a buyer from getting out of the car, the view inside the house determines whether they make an offer. Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, or perhaps more to the point, they need to envision your home as theirs. You can accomplish this by staging your home.
Home staging is the process of preparing your home for sale to make its best impression on prospective buyers. It can be as simple as cleaning the house and putting out fresh flowers or as complicated as hiring a consultant to determine what furnishings and decorations best suit your home while it's on the market. Big budget or small, how you present your home to potential buyers can affect how quickly it sells.
Cleaning and decluttering are essential. The whole house should sparkle – especially kitchens and bathrooms. Clear off counters and organize cabinets and closets. Too much "stuff" is distracting and makes spaces feel cramped and small – definitely not a good impression. Remove furniture that blocks the natural traffic flow, being sure there is a clear walkway to all windows and that the windows and screens are clean.
Visual cues help buyers process your home's features. Keeping room décor simple makes it easy to ascertain a room's purpose. A bed and a dresser in a room with a closet are all it takes to show that a room can be used as a bedroom. A table with chairs identify a dining area, formal or otherwise. Staging rooms for their traditional purpose helps buyers understand your home. Whether the final buyer decides to use rooms the way you show them doesn't matter.
There is a lot you can do yourself to get your home looking its best. Consult with your real estate professional before you start any projects to be sure that the payoff is worth the investment. Remember, once you decide to sell your home, it's a good idea to behave as if it isn't your "home," anymore. Cutting the emotional ties makes it easier to get your "house" sold fast.
