When it comes selling a home, it is essential to do everything possible to make the home attractive to potential buyers. Thanks to the current economic conditions, this is even more important than ever before. After all, today’s housing market is saturated with homes that are available at very low prices. As all real estate is local, selling a home in Austin will vary from selling a home in Katy, so it’s important as always to check with your local Realtor for any additional information or advice.As such, it is essential for sellers to do whatever they can to make their home stand out from the competition. One way to make this possible is to take certain steps to stage your home. In the most simplistic of terms, staging a home refers to doing things to make the home appealing to the buyer. This does not mean going so far as to complete a major renovation or remodel. Rather, it involves transforming a house into a home where the buyer can envision himself living. To that end, here are five simple strategies for staging a home to sell.
Staging Tip #1: Appeal to the Senses
Transforming a house into a home involves creating a certain ambience in which the buyer can feel comfortable. One way to accomplish this goal is to appeal to the senses. In addition to making the home visually appealing, you want to make sure it smells great too. The best way to do this is to bake an apple pie or some chocolate chip cookies before buyers come to look at your home. If you don’t have time to do this, lighting scented candles will also give your house a “homie” feel.
Staging Tip #2: Brighten Things Up With Flowers
Flowers have a way of livening things up, which means they will go a long way toward helping to make your home more inviting. Simply placing a vase filled with fresh flowers in the center of your dining room table will help make your home more appealing to buyers. While you are at it, consider placing some potted flowers outside and in front of your entryway. This way, potential buyers will be greeted by bright, cheery flowers as soon as they pull up to your home.
Staging Tip #3: Let There Be Light
Whenever buyers are coming to see your home, you should open up all of the windows and turn on all the lights. The brighter your home, the cheerier it will appear to potential buyers. Of course, a bright home also appears larger, which will certainly appeal to your buyers’ senses.
Staging Tip #4: Get Rid of Clutter
It should go without saying that clutter needs to be removed before potential buyers come for a visit, but remember to look at your home with a critical eye when removing clutter. In some cases, removing clutter requires doing more than getting rid of magazines and other messes. In fact, you might need to remove entire pieces of furniture if they are making your home seem cramped and crowded. Remember, potential buyers should be able to easily move throughout your home. Therefore, if things are in the way, they should be put into storage while your home is on the market. Clutter can be especially damaging in some luxury markets, such as Downtown Austin, in which affluent buyers looking for move-in ready homes aren’t prone to stretching their imagination.
Staging Tip #5: De-Personalize Your Surroundings
Finally, steps need to be taken to de-personalize your home. Remember, you want the buyer to envision himself living in your home. If your home is filled with personal mementos or if you have rooms decorated to suit your unique needs, it will be difficult for buyers to see anyone other than you living in the home. So, put away the souvenirs and mementos and go with a neutral décor. This way, you will appeal to the largest number of potential buyers.
About the Author – Eric Bramlett is broker and co-owner of One Source Realty, a boutique real estate firm serving Steiner Ranch in Austin, Texas.
