Simple Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell for More

Focus on Staging: Making the Most of Your Listings, Indoors and Out

According to industry experts, staged homes sell for 3 to 10 percent more than non-staged homes and are off the market 32 percent faster.1 Effective home staging is particularly important given today’s growing inventory of homes, which spells more competition for your sellers as buyers enjoy ever-more choices.

We’ll  share the latest advice from experts on interior staging that can help you sell more houses, faster — without hiring a professional stager.

Part 1:  Make a Powerful Impact With “Power Staging”

The inventory of homes for sale in most areas of South Bay is on the rise, making it more difficult to sell  homes quickly and at a peak price. In addition, today’s buyers are growing bolder in their demands — and growing bored with what they see, according to a recent article in Builder magazine.

So how do you make sure your listings don’t get lost in the shuffle?

Try “power staging” — changing just a few key elements in a home in a short amount of time, for the most impact. Consider these latest tips to use power staging to your advantage.

1. Sell the lifestyle and stick to the theme. This can help buyers see themselves in the home — reading a book in the living room, cooking a gourmet meal and so on.  According to Staging101.com* and other industry sources like RealtyTimes,4* the key is to accessorize rooms and set a mood that matches the personality of the home and the lifestyle of likely buyers. For instance, if you’re listing a cozy bungalow, set the dining table for an informal,  intimate dinner for two; if it’s a formal Victorian, set a more elaborate table with elegant china.
2. Keep it simple. Countertops, cabinets, closets, garages, basements and attics are technically storage spaces. But potential buyers can be distracted by a seller’s belongings. Encourage clients to purge the home of anything not used every day; a rented off-site storage unit can temporarily hold the excess.
3. Create grand spaces. Less furniture makes spaces seem larger, so advise your clients to remove what’s not necessary. Improve traffic flow, too. Some experts recommend “floating” furniture away from walls and into the center of rooms to make areas feel more open and appealing.
4. Simple replacements. Replacing items like curtains and blinds, doorknobs, cabinet and drawer handles, lampshadesand throw pillows can update a home instantly, according to Karen Tibbets’ Orlando Home Staging blog.*  Replacing rugs (and even bath and kitchen towels) can make a quick difference, as well.
5. Be careful with color. According to professional stager Craig Schiller,* wallpaper is out and paint is in. So strip outwallpaper and paint walls with neutral colors like beige, taupe or soft green. Experts recommend staying away from white or bold-colored walls.
6. Light and bright. Help clients avoid dim, harsh or cold lighting. Aim for warm and balanced lighting in a combination of sizes and locations.  Also encourage sellers to let natural light in whenever possible. That means crystal-clear windows, too, so advise clients to clean thoroughly and remove screens if necessary.
7. Finish with floral. Indoor flowers and plants are must-have staging tools, according to experts, since they tend to soften andadd life to rooms. Aside from the familiar bouquet on the dining table, consider placing flowers or greenery in the entryway, bedrooms and bathrooms. Small pots of herbs work well in the kitchen.