Buyers look at countless home listings and make quick decisions about whether to make an
offer or not. First impressions are critical. A buyer needs to feel like the home they’re seeing
could easily be “their home” – one that they love and get attached to quickly.
One of the easiest ways to help a home buyer visualize that a property they are seeing
could be “their home” is to keep it neutral. In addition, some buyers have a hard time
imagining what empty space could look like filled with furniture, art and more, so staging
your home can make the difference between a pass or an offer.
According to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of REALTORS
(NAR), 82% of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize
the property as their future home.
Let me provide a few pointers to properly stage your home for sale!
1. Choose the Right Size Furniture for the Space
Whether it is size or color, make sure the furniture is optimized for the space. Furniture that
is too large can make the room look and feel cramped. Also, the bed is often the focal point
of a bedroom — don’t leave the bed frame empty…even if you need to add an air mattress
and bedding.
2. Know Your Audience
If your listing is in a conservative community with a heavy concentration of seniors, a more
traditional staging will be more appealing than a slick, modern one.
3. Try to Avoid “Gendering” Kids’ Bedrooms and Playrooms
For example, if you decorate a room to be pink and frilly, and the potential buyer has three
young boys, they may not be able to visualize a room for their children.
Be creative with multipurpose rooms. It is important to keep in mind that rooms that can be
a bedroom or living space will be seen differently based on the buyer’s wants or needs.
4. Curb Appeal Is Your Home’s Handshake
People remember a weak or firm handshake when meeting people. Your home’s exterior is
the equivalent of your handshake.
Curb appeal is so important. It is literally your home’s first impression and what the buyer
sees before they walk into a home. Make sure your yard and landscaping are tidy, the
house is painted and pay attention to the driveway condition, exterior lighting and any other
items that add value to the curb appeal.
5. Lighting
Buyers like to see houses with a lot of light. Light creates space, visual interest and typically
helps a home to be seen as “happy”. Be sure your indoor and outdoor lighting sets the right
tone.
If you take the time to do these five simple steps, then your home should sell quickly and for the
price you’re seeking!
Questions, comments or need help selling your next home? Please feel free to reach out
to me.
Lauren Alexander, Realtor/CAO Adams Realtors
lauren@adamsrealtors.com