Before a home newly comes to market, a crucial aspect of the preparation is to make sure the property is both move-in ready and makes a stunning visual impression. After all, purchasers need to imagine themselves having a life in the home, and that is where professional staging comes in for those residences that may benefit from it. Buyers are placing more value on long-term potential than ever before, and many don’t possess the time or knowledge to deal with a property in need of renovation, so gorgeously presented homes that are in great condition are going to get the most attention and the best price. As this is a highly competitive market, well-positioned properties will draw more buyers.
Home showings are typically not very long, so the window for making a strong first impression is a narrow one, says Frontdoor.com. The first step toward making that impression is to clean and remove personal items such as family photos, boxes and papers, so the space shows as an aesthetically beautiful living area, without clutter and ripe for a new owner. Those personal items are better stored somewhere off site than piled into basements or closets, areas that buyers will inspect on their tours. Nicks and dents in the walls should be addressed, while a new coat of paint should be added to any room that looks like it needs it. Another essential aspect is the furnishing of the rooms, which can always be improved upon with a short term lease through a high-end furniture rental company. In addition, unused spaces can be creatively changed into playrooms, music rooms or the like in order to spark the buyer’s imagination. Since staging can be time consuming, experts can be hired to take care of the details.
HGTV concurs with many of these suggestions, especially hiding personal items and making sure the home is in good shape, adding that offers could be substantially reduced if even the smallest problems aren’t fixed. Yet if they aren’t resolved, they should be disclosed to the buyer. The article also poses the idea of adding a fresh aura for showings, which can be achieved by putting out a few well-chosen plants or slicing some lemons. More ideas may come to mind by visiting some model homes, which will also show the impact made by a spacious, neutral environment. If you are getting ready to put your home on the market, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty hopes these tips help you achieve a successful sale.
