Setting the Stage for Selling

Let’s face it, in real estate, appearance matters. It’s not all that matters, but it can be the hook that gets prospective buyers interested in your home. Staging, the act of preparing a home for the marketplace, is big business, so much so, that many agents and sellers utilize the services of a professional stager. The goal is to make a home attractive, appealing, and welcoming.

One key note about staging, is that it’s not about what you like, it’s about what will appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. So first off, start with a good thorough cleaning, both inside and out. You may even want to hire landscapers to clean up and prune the yard and professional house cleaners to get of the grit and grime from every nook and cranny. Freshly painted rooms in neutral colors can make a world of difference.

From there, keep rooms light and airy, not cluttered. They don’t want to see your lifestyle – they want to be able to picture theirs. This does not mean the rooms are to be barren. Style with accents of color and details – mirrors, vases, throw pillows, candles, and artwork.  Highlight the home’s unique features, including fireplaces, staircases/banisters, pedestal sinks, and built-in bookshelves.

Take pictures of your home and analyze them. Your staged home should be camera-ready, as photos of your home on the web and in real estate publications are going to be what helps get people in the door. For inspiration on clean, crisp, and stylish homes, check out HGTV.com, Sunset Magazine, and Pinterest.