It is said that you never get a second chance at making a first impression. Initial impressions leave a lasting impact on people, and it’s no different when it comes to selling your home.
When selling your home, several key ways exist to make a positive first impression, such as creating curb appeal and screen appeal. But today, we’re going to dive into the interior of your home and how to prepare its living spaces to sell your home properly.
The process of presenting the interior of your home in such a way that appeals to potential buyers is called “staging.” Remember, staging aims to create an inviting environment that potential buyers can envision themselves living in.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, then most likely, you are also on the market to buy a new home. If so, then think about all the aspects of a home that grabbed your attention. How can you apply those same techniques while staging?
Now, let’s dig into six tips for staging your home:
Declutter
Decluttering means removing excessive and unnecessary items from your living spaces. The goal is to give your home a clean, spacious feel, which allows potential buyers to focus on the key features of the various spaces rather than your personal belongings. Here are some tips for effective decluttering:
- Set manageable goals: Decluttering can be overwhelming if you don’t break down the process into smaller, timely steps.
- Use the “Four Box Method:” Sort items into four boxes labeled “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Trash,” and “Undecided.”
- Implement a storage system: Investing in storage containers allows you to find a home for all the belongings you decide to keep.
- Be ruthless: Make quick decisions and let go of sentimentality.
Depersonalize
Depersonalization is the process of removing all items that reflect the current owner's style and tastes. A neutral environment works similarly to a blank slate, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Check out these tips for depersonalization:
- Remove personal items: Keep a keen eye out for photographs, trophies, personal collections, memorabilia, etc.
- Neutralize decor: Stick to a neutral color palette, simple artwork, and minimalist decor.
- Don’t forget smell: Keep all scents minimal as well. Don’t use overpowering air fresheners, candles, or cooking.
- Pay attention to children’s rooms: Children’s rooms tend to have a lot of personalization, including colors, toys, and art.
Highlight key Features
Make sure the charm of your home shines by highlighting some of its key features when staging. Here are some features to highlight:
- Natural lighting: If your home has large windows or skylights, ensure the blinds are open, and the glass is clean.
- Architectural details: Use lighting to draw attention to details such as crown molding, exposed beams, or arched doorways.
- Functionality: Arrange the furniture to highlight the use of the space, such as couches around a fireplace.
- Outdoor living spaces: If you have a patio, deck, or backyard, highlight the potential for outdoor living.
Maximise Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere and creating inviting spaces. Here are the types of lighting you should pay attention to and how to maximize them:
- Natural lighting: Clean the glass, remove opaque curtains, and trim foliage outside.
- Artificial lighting: Utilize a combination of ambient, accent, and task lighting to highlight focal points and functionality.
- Reflective surfaces: Strategically place mirrors to help make the space feel brighter and bigger.
- Optimize control: Install dimmers or smart technology to control the lighting based on the mood or time of day.
Choose Tasteful Decore
When it comes to decor, choose wisely. As previously mentioned, the spaces in your home should be depersonalized, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include tasteful pieces of decor that create an appealing atmosphere. Check out these pieces of decor to utilize while staging:
- Statement furniture: Consider incorporating occasional statement pieces, such as a stylish sofa, dining room table, or bed headboard.
- Plants: Greenery adds life and freshness to any space.
- Artwork: Add art and mirrors that complement the room’s style but aren’t overwhelmingly bold.
- Fixtures: Upgrade lighting fixtures with chic pendant lights, chandeliers, or table lamps.
Turn to Professionals
If you’re not confident in your ability to stage your home properly, turn to a professional. They can provide an objective opinion and draw on their wealth of experience to design your interior spaces. They also know how to use market trends to create a stylish ambiance. The expertise could save you money in the long run.
If you’re searching for your next home, work with the builders at Brunswick Crossing to ensure your house features all the style, space, and appliances that fit your needs. Explore our models, peruse the community, and take a tour to discover all the opportunities that await you.
