Even in a seller-driven market, staging your home and making a few key upgrades before you list can help you make even more money on your sale. Contrary to popular belief, staging doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming—in fact, making just a couple smaller changes can totally change a buyer's impression of your home.
Ready to get started? Take a look at some of our easy staging tips, and give us a call for even more personalized advice.
Start with the Basics
Catch up on maintenance
We all have a lingering to-do list of projects that need to get done around the house. So if it's been a while since you cleaned your gutters, checked your foundation, or handled any repairs, now is the time to do so. Remember—today's buyers are looking for move-in ready homes, not major fixer-uppers. Doing all that work ahead of time can yield you an even more impressive profit!
Deep clean everything
No buyer wants to step inside a filthy house, so it's worth going the extra mile and cleaning every inch. Work room by room, making sure to mop, vacuum, disinfect, and get in those hard-to-reach areas. Focus your efforts on high-traffic areas, like kitchens and bathrooms, and don't neglect your baseboards or appliances. If you don't have time to do a deep clean, consider hiring a professional.
Clear away clutter
When was the last time you decluttered? If you've lived in the same home for a few years, you probably have quite a bit you can get rid of or at least put into storage. The less you have in your home, the larger it'll look—that means it's worth spending some time cleaning out your closets, attic, basement, and garage. You can even sort things into keep, donate/sell, and throw away piles to keep it easy!
Add Some Final Touches
Don't neglect curb appeal
First impressions mean everything when you're selling a home—and if your place doesn't catch a buyer's attention as they scroll through listings, you'll have to wait even longer to secure a sale. Spend some time perfecting your landscaping and making your front porch look as welcoming as possible. Now is the time to splurge on some new light fixtures or repaint your front door. Don't forget about the backyard, too!
De-personalize
Although you might love your brightly colored accent wall, memorabilia, and family photos, they could keep buyers from envisioning themselves in your home. Take some time to depersonalize your space and incorporate more neutral decor, such as throw blankets, modest artwork, and fresh-cut flowers or houseplants. If you're selling during the holidays, keep your decorations objective and to a minimum.
Add last-minute touches
Want to really wow buyers? Right before a showing, try appealing to their senses. You can do this by playing soft instrumental music from a smart speaker or TV, setting out light refreshments and bottled water, or using lightly scented candles and potpourri. If you really want to go above and beyond, bake some cookies before buyers arrive—they're the perfect snack, and they'll make your home smell heavenly!
Increase Your Home's Value
Focus on the kitchen
It's often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home—and when it comes to adding more value, a minor renovation or a few upgrades will definitely pay off. On average, a small kitchen remodel—which can include things like painting your cabinets, adding a new backsplash, updating fixtures, or replacing countertops—yields an impressive 72% return on investment.
Add fresh paint
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to a space, especially if your home feels dark and outdated. If you're painting before you list your home, it's best to use neutral tones that have a high reflective value. However, that doesn't mean you have to stick to white or beige—grey, light blue, and sage green are all on-trend colors that will have a great impact on buyers.
Don't neglect your outdoor space
An outdoor living space is high on most buyers' wish lists—so if your backyard is looking a little plain, it's time to spruce it up. If you already have a porch, deck, or patio, breathe new life into it by adding a fresh coat of stain, potted plants, or some new furniture. A little low-maintenance landscaping can also transform your backyard into a natural paradise.
Selling Your Triangle Home?
If you want to get your home looking its best before you list, we'd love to offer our years of expertise! As one of the top real estate teams in the Raleigh area, we have what it takes to prep, market, and sell your home for top dollar in no time at all. Just give us a call or check out our resources below to get started!