There are proven staging techniques that we implement in the houses that we stage, and I would like to share some of them this month.
Curb Appeal
You only get one chance to make a great first impression so strive for great curb appeal when selling your home. The exterior should be pressure washed. Install new pine straw or attractive mulch in all landscape beds. Prune shrubs and plant seasonal flowers. Clean your windows inside and out. Consider a fresh coat of paint for your front door and shutters. Purchase new pillows or cushions for your outdoor furniture to add a pop of color and also purchase a new welcome mat for the front door..
De-Personalize & De-Clutter
It’s recommended that most personal photos be removed and personal collections stored. Sellers need potential buyers to focus on the selling features of their home rather than their personal property in the home. In general, all personal property on upper kitchen cabinets, hutches, and upper surfaces of bookshelves should be cleared off completely.
Define Purpose
Rooms should be staged as intended. Bedrooms should be staged with beds and dining rooms should be staged with dinettes. The home featured here had a ping pong table in the family room located at the front of the home. We staged this room with furniture borrowed from another room in the home and filled in with art and accessories to create a warm and inviting space for buyers.
Strategic Positioning of Furniture
When staging your home to sell, rooms should be open and inviting to allow potential buyers to easily walk through each room. Rearrange furniture accordingly and avoid having the backs of furniture blocking the entry to a space.
Neutral (but not stark and sterile)
Loud, personal, or dated color schemes should be removed. Paint is one of the least expensive improvement that homeowners can make with the largest amount of return when it comes time to sell. There are many great neutral colors out there that both are warm and inviting. Sellers should consult with a professional and base their decision on other fixtures or products already installed in the home.
Jamie McNeilis is owner of Centerpiece Home Staging. Email Jamie at Jamie.McNeilis@CenterpieceHomeStaging.com
