Stage your house to beat out the competition and draw in more prospective buyers with these 5 easy and inexpensive staging tips. Most buyers have a hard time looking past pink walls and green shag carpet, so do the legwork for them and present their “new home” on a silver platter.
If done smartly, the money spent staging will be made up10x in the house sale — and you keep all the new accessories for yourself afterward (or unload them on Craigslist).
Here are my top 5 affordable staging tips to get you started:
1.Depersonalize
As sentimental as these things might seem to you, buyers want to be able to imagine themselves in your space;, family photos and random tchotchkes prevents them from doing so. Keep in only necessary furniture, keeping in mind that you want the space to look big, clean, spacious and uncluttered.
2.Stylize
Aim for a style that most buyers would like, even if it’s not your cup of tea. Furnishings that seem homey and comforting — yet fresh and contemporary — give an aura that your home is updated and well cared for. Neutrals work best; just add colorful touches here and there.
3.Mirrors
Use mirrors liberally to make your area look bigger, lighter and brighter, and to allow sunlight to bounce all over the walls. You can use a cool contemporary mirror that leans against the wall in a small dining area, a small bedroom or in an entry way for a wider effect.
4.Details
Set the table. It’s easy to do and makes a big impact. Buyers walk in and instantly feel welcome, like as if they’re coming over for dinner. Light-fresh smelling or non-scented candles, place plush towels and fancy soap in the bathrooms, a breakfast tray on the bed, and a pretty book on the coffee table. I love to leave little chocolates or sweet candy around the house for people to take. Some people even go so far to bake cookies just before the open house.
5.Texture
Wallpaper, pillows, rugs, blankets, baskets and other tactile accessories can play up texture in a room. It’s an easy way for anyone to add warmth to a blah room. Simple, inexpensive finishes like grass cloth wallpaper on plain walls that need a little oomph, give buyers a feeling that the house has more luxury and style.