The housing trend for 2019 indicates that it's still a seller's market, but that is changing. Millennials continue to look for their first home as they seek to move from renting to buying. Whether your house is an ideal starter home, it's perfect for a growing family or it's great for empty nesters, it's important to get the staging right.
What is Staging?
Think of staging as setting the mood or the impression that you want people to feel as they walk through your home. It can highlight the personality of your home, set it apart from others in your community and could even lead to a higher selling price. That's why it's so important to avoid the following mistakes:
1. Inappropriate Staging Materials
Regardless of which demographic your home is most appropriate for, all of today's home buyers want to buy a home that is move-in ready. This means they don't want to have to spend a lot of time, money and effort to get the home in condition so it will work for them. Make sure that your staging efforts reflect the home buyer persona that is most likely going to be interested in it.
2. Getting Personal
Yes, your personal items make your home feel like it's yours and they reflect your style. While you revel in the family photos and sports trophies your children brought home, their presence can make it difficult for potential home buyers to see themselves living in the house. When staging your home, pack up everything personal and stick with more neutral decorations such as artwork.
3. Not Striking a Balance
It's easy for a home to become cluttered over the years as you attain more items that help you live your life more fully. Not only can too much stuff make a house's rooms look and feel smaller, but it can also make it hard for people walking through to see where their own items might fit into the spaces.
On the other hand, being faced with empty rooms that are completely devoid of furniture doesn't provide an inviting environment. If your home is empty, consider furnishing it with at least the basics so it exudes warmth.
4. Pictures That Don't Say a Thousand Words
The pictures in any listing of your home -- whether you are selling it on your own or you're using a real estate agent -- should reflect its very best qualities. Unless you are a professional photographer with experience staging homes, it's probably best to leave the picture taking to someone else. You want the pictures to be color corrected and top quality so your home prompts people to learn more.
5. Unusual Smells
It's safe to say that every home has its own particular scent. While that smell might not be unpleasant, it could still be something that makes a potential home buyer think twice before purchasing your house. Get an objective opinion about the smell and explore its source if it's unpleasant. Fresh-baked goods and softly-scented candles are often a good idea as well.
Staging your home is often more about common sense than projecting a particular theme. Avoid the above pitfalls and you'll likely increase your home's appeal.
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