The Basics of Home Staging
If you’ve been on real estate websites, you’ve probably come across the term ‘home staging’. But what is it and do you really need it? Here we discuss the basics of home staging.
What is home staging?
Home Staging is the process of preparing a house for sale. Its goal is to make the property as appealing as possible to most buyers, making it sell fast at a good price.
What is involved in home staging?
In home staging, various elements can be used to improve the look of your home. The most common elements include:
- Paint
- Art
- Furniture
- Accessories
- Lighting
- Rugs and carpets
- Greenery
However, it does not always have to involve adding items to make your home appealing. Often, thoroughly cleaning, decluttering, and depersonalizing your space might be just what your house needs. Your home should be squeaky clean from top to bottom so be sure to also check the areas that are often missed:
- Under the furniture
- Kitchen sink and counters
- Kitchen cabinets and cupboards
- Grout
- Bathroom sink and counter
- Closets and cabinets
- Windows and doors
- Floors
- Lighting fixtures
- Walls
- Ceilings
Further, when staging your home, don’t forget to also consider what the potential homebuyers can not see. Your house may look great, but how about the smell? Are there any lingering odors that are rather undesirable and might drive potential buyers away? Be sure to check these common causes of bad odor:
- Garbage disposal
- Pet urine
- Mold and mildew
- Dirty carpets
- Fridge
- Dishwasher
- Bedding and clothes
- Trash can
- Dirty furniture
The aim is to carefully strike a balance between clean and lived-in. Keep it simple and neutral, but inviting. You want to make it easy for homebuyers to envision themselves living in your home.
It’s also important to note that necessary repairs should be done before staging your home. If your doors and windows are broken, the floor is peeling, or if there are visible plumbing leaks, those must be taken care of too as part of the staging process.
Do I need to stage every part of my house?
When it comes to staging, not all parts of your home are equally important, so it’s only practical to stage where it counts. Focus on areas that have the biggest impact on the buyers because the condition of these areas can potentially influence their decisions. These areas are the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen.
You may focus on showcasing the most important rooms in your home to save time and money when planning your home staging strategy. However, do not completely neglect the other parts of your home. At the very least, they should also be free of clutter and should be thoroughly cleaned, especially if you still live in the property you are trying to sell.
Do I need to hire a professional to stage my home?
Professional home staging companies can help you create the best strategy to make your home appealing. Because they are a third party, you can get an unbiased and objective review and advice on how to improve your property.
Having said that, home sellers are not required to hire professional stagers. If you are planning to sell your home and the budget is tight, you are free to use your own skills and talent and use the existing items in your home. If you do have the budget and are not confident doing it all on your own, you may always schedule a consultation with a professional stager first and see if the setup works for you.
Is home staging necessary for me to sell my property?
Home staging will entice buyers to take a look at your place in person. It is not a necessity, but it cannot be denied that it can greatly help your home sell fast and for a top dollar.
Home staging indeed helps you make a good first impression. However, if you need to sell your home quickly, you may not have the time to go through the entire rigmarole of beautifying your home. At We Buy Any House Fast, our expert real estate professionals can help you. Give us a call at 800-976-SOLD today!