It\u2019ll likely sell a lot faster if you made some simple, but effective updates.<\/p>\n
That doesn\u2019t mean filling every available wall with framed art and every flat surface with knickknacks. It also doesn\u2019t mean replacing your appliances and furniture with higher-end stuff. A few simple changes will give prospective buyers a chance to dream about their new lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to create a product that the buyer can emotionally attach to,\u201d said Andi Hurley, a home stager with Premier Home Staging in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.<\/p>\n
When it comes to home staging, less really is more, and it doesn\u2019t have to be difficult or expensive. It can cost anywhere from $500 to $600 per room, per month to use a professional stager. But the median total amount spent on home staging is only $400, according to the 2019 Profile of Staging from the National Association of Realtors.<\/p>\n
Why staging your home can cost you<\/strong><\/p>\n Why is this? Some homeowners hire a stager just to do a report on what needs to be done, rather than have the stager rent them furniture and accessories. This service typically costs between $300 to $600. Basic staging tactics are also fairly simple and can often be done using what the homeowners already have, plus a little sweat equity.<\/p>\n Here are a couple of examples.<\/p>\n When Hurley first started working as a stager in 2012, almost all her work came from realtor referrals. But now, she hears from quite a few homeowners, some of whom call her before they even think about listing their houses. The popularity of TV shows like \u201cStaged to Perfection\u201d and \u201cProperty Brothers\u201d have made people realize how a few changes to your home can result in faster and more profitable sales, Hurley said.<\/p>\n But the staging process doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be summed up in five “D”s …..<\/p>\n 1. Detachment<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s tough to look at our own homes objectively. We no longer notice little drywall divots, dated kitchen cabinets or the faint odors our pets have left in the carpet. We may love overstuffed, brightly colored furniture and bold paint choices \u2013 but not everyone does.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re staging for the unknown buyer,\u201d Hurley said. \u201cWe want to open the market, not narrow it down.\u201d<\/p>\n If you hire a home stager to do a report, do not take the suggestions personally. The home will sell faster if you make it visually accessible to the broadest possible market.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning on doing the inspection yourself? Have a couple of friends come over and walk through the place and point out small imperfections (like those drywall divots) or larger issues (like those teal ceilings).<\/p>\n After you have your report, fix them. After all, potential buyers can better imagine their own stuff in your minimalist space \u2013 but they can\u2019t unsee that family room with its crimson walls and trio of sofas.<\/p>\n Two tips for neutralizing the space :<\/p>\n \u2022 Paint. A couple of coats can do wonders toward making rooms feel larger and cleaner (as well as less jarring).<\/p>\n \u2022 Judicious use of color. A too-bare place can look sterile, so focus on what Hurley calls \u201cmovable color\u201d \u2013 art, accessories, accent pillows that provide a little pop of color without overwhelming the eye.<\/p>\n 2. Depersonalization<\/strong><\/p>\n Remove family photos, trophies, framed diplomas and other personal items. The goal is to let a potential buyer imagine themselves in their new home, rather than to feel like a guest in yours.<\/p>\n Hurley also suggests packing away religious or political items. A political sign in front of your home or a religious shrine inside it can feel off-putting to some buyers, she said.<\/p>\n 3. Decluttering<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019re moving, so you need to pack anyway. Get started now. Personal items can get boxed up along with collectibles, knickknacks and hobby items.<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re a minimalist, it\u2019s likely that some of your furniture also needs to be packed away. Rearrange what\u2019s left so that there\u2019s as much room as possible to move around a space. This lets potential buyers think about where they could put their own stuff.<\/p>\n If at all possible, don\u2019t store your furniture in the garage. Potential buyers need to get an idea of how they\u2019d use that space, too, which they can\u2019t do if it\u2019s full of chairs and boxes. You\u2019ll also need to declutter your pantry, cabinets and all closets. Aim to take out at least one-third of your dishes, cookware, linens and clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cStorage is very important to buyers,\u201d Hurley said. \u201cIf it\u2019s wall-to-wall clothes and shoes, it looks like there\u2019s no space.\u201d<\/p>\n Tips for decluttering a space :<\/p>\n \u2022 Use this as your chance to finally deal with all the junk you\u2019ve accumulated. Get ruthless about donating or tossing. Here are some tips on tidying up your space.<\/p>\n \u2022 Invite friends over to claim things you don\u2019t want to take with you. One man\u2019s trash\u2026<\/p>\n \u2022 Rent a storage space until it\u2019s time to move.<\/p>\n 4. Deep-cleaning<\/strong><\/p>\n Selling a house and packing to move are very stressful. It\u2019s tempting to skimp on (or skip out on) cleaning and minor repairs. But don\u2019t do this \u2014 the more items you move out of the space, the more issues could come to light.<\/p>\n \u201cBuyers only know what they see,\u201d Hurley said. Someone who walks into a house with noticeable carpet stains might turn right around and walk back out.<\/p>\n Your home likely needs a seriously deep cleaning, not just a vacuuming and dusting. Pay special attention to appliances, because buyers sometimes open refrigerator and oven doors.<\/p>\n Aim to make the place look brand-new. If you can\u2019t do that level of cleaning, hire a service. Your real estate agent can likely recommend one.<\/p>\n The outside of your home might need some help, too. Power-wash the deck or pavers, weed the flowerbeds and prune the shrubs.<\/p>\n 5. Details<\/strong><\/p>\n Attention to certain details can turn a dated look into a more modern one. Replace those light fixtures. Paint the cabinetry.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle things make a difference,\u201d Hurley said.<\/p>\n While a clean, minimalist look has broad appeal, choose a few careful accent pieces. A staged house doesn\u2019t necessarily mean everything off the walls and all surfaces. But the place shouldn\u2019t look like a furniture store, either.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to spend a lot of money. We want you to invest your dollars where they\u2019ll do the most good,\u201d Hurley said.<\/p>\n