"Gotta Have It" Home Staging
2/1/2013
Imagine walking into a store. An attractive display catches your eye. You ooh and aah over the clever layout, the attractive design. Then you realize, you've gotta have it. It must be yours.
If you are selling a home, that's exactly how you want potential buyers to feel when they walk in your front door. All you need is your own attractive "display".
Staging is an inexpensive, highly effective way to make your house stand out. Curb appeal may get buyers inside, but a knockout interior could have them signing papers. There are a few basic principles to follow.
• Every space must have a purpose. If you have an empty room, add a desk and chair. Finish it off with a lamp, a framed photo or two and you have a home office.
• Like bold paint colors? Some buyers may be turned off by dramatic hues, so opt for neutral shades and use the dramatic colors for accents.
• Clean everything! Be mindful of stains in the carpet and scuffs on the walls.
• Remove clutter, even from your closets. Arrange furniture so that it doesn't interrupt the flow of your home. Make sure rooms are well-lit. These steps can create a space that appears larger and more open.
• Have a stunning fireplace or custom kitchen? Highlight these areas with creative lighting and a few smart accessories.
• And don't forget to bake! Or at least make your house smell like you have. Invest in break-and-bake cookies or an aromatic candle to make buyers feel welcome and at home.
With just a few simple staging strategies, you can turn your home into a "gotta have it" piece of real estate.
