Home staging is becoming more and more necessary in today’s real estate market. Prospective buyers want to be able to envision themselves in a neat, organized home. Your home should feel and look like a blank canvas — full of potential and not weighted down by you or your current lifestyle. We’re breaking down the top tips for transforming your space into something worth buying.
Know Your Spaces
Not every room in your home needs to be staged to perfection. There are a few rooms that are more important. Studies show buyers care most about the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. Think about it — these rooms are where you likely spend most of your time, either by yourself or with friends and family. It’s important that buyers can picture themselves in these spaces. Don’t waste precious time staging less crucial rooms, like offices, bathrooms, or playrooms.
Consider What Your Home Needs
Take a careful tour of your home and look at it through a crucial lens. Is the paint chipped in any spots? Are there marks on the walls? Does anything need fixing? It’s important you take care of these things immediately, as buyers will likely hone in on even the tiniest imperfections. You may also consider a professional home inspection to catch things only an expert might recognize.
Declutter
There is nothing less appealing than walking into a home that’s full of clutter. Be strict with yourself when it comes time to declutter. Which bills and pieces of mail do you actually need? Sort through everything and only keep what’s necessary. If you tend to keep all of your clothes stuffed into your closet, take out and store the apparel you won’t need for a while. Hide away any excess toys, pet paraphernalia, and other knick-knacks. A decluttered home will not only look lighter and more spacious, but it will also help a buyer envision its potential.
Organize
You may have some things in your home that aren’t “clutter” necessarily but are still too personal for potential buyers. Store any family photographs or heirlooms. Secure any expensive personal items so they’re safe when it comes time to show your home. Renting a storage unit is a great temporary solution to any organizational hiccups. If you’re willing to part with some things, consider selling them via yard sale or app (Facebook Marketplace is a good one). Also, consider donating the items you no longer need.
Clean
This may seem obvious, but it can be tempting to think your home is “clean enough.” Be honest with yourself and really dig into those nooks and crannies. Scrub kitchen and bathroom tiles. Vacuum away hair and dust, especially from carpeted areas. If your home has drapes or blinds, make sure they’re dusted and clean. Be sure to fill in any holes from nails or damage. You could take a DIY approach or hire a professional crew. Either way, be sure your house shines from top to bottom!
Neutralize
You might love your bright red living room or your teal kitchen. However, it’s important your home looks neutral. Bold colors can distract from the key aspects of a room, like its size, layout, or great views. Consider painting the main rooms in more delicate colors, like whites and beiges. If you have any rooms that are clearly gender designated, swap them out. For example, if one of your rooms is decorated for a girl, perhaps paint the walls and store some of the more specific accessories and toys.
Enhance Curb Appeal
You want buyers to love your home’s exterior just as much as its interior. There are so many DIY tricks when it comes to boosting your home’s curb appeal. Does your front door “pop” in a welcoming, cheery way? If not, paint it a bolder color. Take a look at your mailbox and see if it needs an upgrade. If your shutters need a fresh coat of paint, take care of that. Make sure your front lawn and garden are pristine. You could also add some fresh hardware to your front door or garage. These little tricks go a long way and will make buyers excited to enter your home.
Freshen Up Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms take a lot of wear and tear. When staging your home, pay extra attention to these areas. Remove any stains from the countertops, as well as any excess soap dishes or appliances. You don’t need to show off your air fryer if it takes up an inordinate amount of space. If your kitchen sink is outdated, take a look at what’s trending and find a more appealing option. These spaces should look fresh, clean, and as up-to-date as possible.
Curate an Experience
Have you ever walked into someone’s home and immediately felt at ease? That’s the feeling you want to elicit from your potential buyers, and doing so is as simple as adding a few curated elements. Open the home’s windows to circulate some fresh air. Light some candles or bake some cookies before a tour. Studies show that the smell of freshly baked cookies can increase your chances of making a sale. Make sure to limit distracting noises or visuals. Turn off any televisions or radios, so visitors can consider the home in peace. If you have a pet, consider sending it to a friend’s house for the day. You want the house calm and empty.
Don't Overdo It
You don’t want to stage your home so much that it starts to look unlivable. The key to staging is enhancing what’s already there. If your master bedroom has a beautiful fireplace, stage the room in a way that clearly emphasizes that benefit. Don’t fill your home with excess flowers or ornate table settings. Most potential buyers don’t want to feel like they’re walking into a hotel or bed and breakfast; they want to feel like they’re walking into a home — their home. Finding the perfect staging balance can be tough, so consider hiring an expert to help guide your experience.
Looking to sell your home? Contact KMF and JMF Real Estate. Kim Martin-Fisher and Jennifer Martin Faulkner look forward to helping you get your Ponte Vedra real estate ready for the market!