Selling your home for top dollar doesn't come without a little work. You've got to do more than stick a For Sale sign in the yard if you really want to get big money for your home. But the good news is that you don't have to do a ton of work to make your home look a lot better. Here are some simple and cost-effective home staging tips to make your home stand out from the crowd—and really impress those home buyers!
Step 1: Work the Curb Appeal!
Paint, fix & improve
Take a step back and take a look at your home from the road. How does it really look? Does it need a good power washing or a paint job? Are there hanging shutters or missing shingles? Is your garage door dented? First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home, so make sure your home is in tip-top shape from the outside in.
Don't forget the landscaping
While you're out tidying up your home, think about how you might be able to make some improvements to your lawn, as well. Staying up-to-date on your mowing is crucial, of course, but how is the state of your grass? Does it need to be watered or seeded? Could your hedges or overhanging trees use a trim? Would your lawn benefit from some bright flowers and pops of color?
Welcome buyers inside
Once your home and lawn look good, spend a little time on your front porch. Paint your front door, replace the doorknob, and add a new welcome mat. If you've got some space on your porch, you might want to add some homey charm, like a chair and table, to make a cozy reading spot. And always make sure your walkways are cleaned and free of ice, leaves, and other debris.
Step 2: Organize, Fix & Clean
Take care of maintenance
Know of any lingering maintenance issues you've been putting off? Time to stop putting them off and get them fixed, whether that means breaking out your toolbox or hiring a professional to get the job done. No buyer wants to pay top dollar for a home they'll have to turn around and put work into.
Declutter & organize
Next step: pare down on some of your belongings. In other words, get rid of some of your unused stuff that's just taking up space. Not only will your home thank you for it (homes without stuff tend to look cleaner, neater, and larger), your back will thank you, too, when you've got less to haul around on moving day!
Clean EVERYTHING
Another crucial step to home staging is cleaning. Deep cleaning, that is. Scrub, clean, wipe, and polish every surface, nook, and cranny until your whole house shines. Remove dust bunnies, dirt, grime, streaks, stains, and most importantly, scents. Something you might not notice might be a big turn-off to a buyer. This is especially true for pet owners, who've gotten used to the smell of their cat or dog.
Step 3: Add the Final Touches
Un-decorate
The goal here is to remove some of your personal decor and belongings to make it easier for your buyers to picture their lives in your home. You want to make your home impersonal—so that means hiding family photos, handmade fridge decor, and even your more bold decor and colors. If you have any brightly colored walls or furniture, you might want to think of some alternatives that appeal to a wider audience.Let in the light
A really simple way to make your home look better is to increase your lighting! Natural lighting is best, so open those windows and throw back the curtains. Don't have a lot of natural lighting or showing your home during darker winter days? Consider increasing the wattage of your bulbs or adding a few more light fixtures, even if it's just a simple table lamp.
Add some seasonal decor
Last but not least, don't be afraid to do a little light (neutral and tasteful) decorating. In the spring, brighten rooms with fresh blooms and sprigs of green. In fall, embrace the cozy cooler weather with warm colors and scents. Come holiday season, feel free to welcome in evergreens, holly boughs, and elegant snowflakes. Fresh-baked cookies are also a welcome treat!
