- Boosting curb appeal influences buyer perceptions and increases home marketability through landscaping, front door attention, lighting, and clean driveways.
- Decluttering and depersonalizing the home allows buyers to visualize themselves in the space, enhancing its attractiveness.
- Repainting the interior with neutral shades improves the home’s appeal, making it appear clean, well-maintained, and more spacious.
- Strategic home improvements significantly increase market value and attractiveness to potential buyers, expediting the sale process.
Boosting a home’s selling value is paramount when preparing it for sale. Making strategic improvements can significantly increase the return on investment. Staged homes sell for 17% more on average than non-staged homes, and 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less. That’s statistically 87% faster than non-staged homes. Therefore, investing in your home’s appeal optimizes its marketability and translates into a higher selling price and quicker sale.
However, you might not know how to improve your home’s value for potential buyers. Here are a few tips to follow when staging a home for sale:
Curb Appeal Improvements
First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to selling a home. Curb appeal refers to how attractive your property looks from the street. A home with great curb appeal can be a compelling factor for potential buyers, influencing their perception before they even step inside. It sets the tone for what’s to come, making it an essential part of home staging.
Landscaping
A well-maintained landscape can instantly improve your home’s curb appeal. Mow the lawn regularly, trim hedges, and remove any dead plants. Add colorful flowers or potted plants near the entrance to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Front Door
The front door is often a focal point. Repainting it with a fresh, bold color can make your home stand out. Also, consider replacing outdated door hardware for a modern look. Making the door more inviting will help create a great first impression.
Lighting
Proper outdoor lighting not only enhances the beauty of your home but also provides safety. Landscape lighting can highlight architectural features, while porch lights can create a warm, welcoming glow.
Driveways and Walkways
Ensure driveways and walkways are clean and in good condition. Pressure wash to remove any dirt or grime and repair any cracks. Adding decorative borders or lighting can also enhance these areas.
Decluttering and Depersonalizing
Decluttering and depersonalizing your home are critical aspects of staging that can significantly impact its selling value.
Clutter can be distracting and make your home spaces appear smaller than they are. Removing unnecessary items allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the area rather than being distracted by your things. A decluttered home also appears cleaner and well-maintained, which buyers look for in a potential home.
Depersonalizing your home involves removing personal items like family photos, collectibles, and unique décor. This might seem counterintuitive because these items make a house a home. However, the goal is to create a neutral space where potential buyers can envision their family and belongings. When buyers can mentally “move in,” they are more likely to make an offer. Thus, decluttering and depersonalizing can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your home and boost its market value.
Repainting Interior
Repainting the interior of your home can significantly enhance its appeal, translating into a higher selling price. A fresh coat of paint can make rooms look clean, updated, and well-maintained. It can brighten dark spaces, make small rooms look more spacious, and remove any marks or stains from general wear and tear.
To get started, select a paint color that will appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. Neutral shades like beige, gray, or off-white are the safest choices, as they provide a blank canvas that allows buyers to visualize the space with their furniture and décor.
Before painting, prep the walls by filling in holes or cracks and sanding them smooth. This ensures a professional-looking finish. Use a primer to help the paint stick to the wall and give a more uniform color effect. Depending on the current wall color and the new paint color you have chosen, you might need to apply two or more coats of paint for an even finish.
Although repainting can be a DIY job, hiring house painters can save time and ensure quality results. Professionals also have the expertise to recommend the best types and finishes of paint for different rooms. For instance, they might suggest a washable paint for high-traffic areas or a semi-gloss finish for bathrooms and kitchens.
Ultimately, a fresh coat of paint can enhance your home’s aesthetics and make it more attractive to potential buyers, leading to a faster sale and a higher selling price.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a home for sale requires more than just cleaning and decluttering. Investing in strategic improvements can significantly boost its market value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Follow the above tips to stage your home before putting it on the market, and you’ll be well on your way towards getting top dollar and finding the right buyer quickly!
