You already know that your home should look great when you are hosting an open house. However, do you know the tricks for staging your home for optimum appeal?
Staging is comparable to preparing a set for a movie, but in this case, you are setting the stage in a way that makes visitors feel comfortable and at home in your house. It makes people want to sit, to linger, and to begin imagining how their things will fit in your space. Helping prospective buyers achieve this level of comfort is not only conducive to offers; it practically guarantees higher offers.
These open house ideas will help you make the most of the situation:
Clean until it sparkles
The least expensive and best way to make your home appealing is to scrub and polish everything to perfection. If you need to hire a cleaning service, do not hesitate to do so. No one wants to live in someone else's dirt, and the slightest hint of grime is the biggest turnoff to potential buyers.
Get rid of clutter
This can be tricky while in the process of packing, but clutter makes a home appear as if there isn't enough storage space. Hiding things in closets is not advisable, since buyers will want to look inside. Rent a storage unit, or borrow space in a friend's basement or garage during the open house if possible. Set the stage by making sure every space is tidy and clutter free.
Brighten things up
Another way to make your home appear larger and more spacious is to make it bright and airy. This is an easy staging trick that can be accomplished by simply opening blinds or drapes, turning on lights, or lighting candles. Open windows as well, if the weather is appropriate. If any light bulbs are burned out, replace them. You may also want to replacee dim lights with higher-wattage bulbs.
Make it smell like home
Use air fresheners in attractive containers or purchase scented candles. Use subtle scents, and make sure each item has the same scent to avoid an overpowering fragrance. For an extra homey touch, use items that give off the aroma of baked goods, such as cinnamon or vanilla. Actually baking something will fill your home with mouth-watering fragrances. Pop a package of ready to bake cookies into the oven and set the temperature very low so the cookies take a long time to bake and keep the house filled with aroma for several hours. Another staging trick is to slice an apple, put it in a baking dish with water, and cover it with cinnamon. Let it simmer in the oven throughout the open house.
Depersonalize your space
While you want your home to be warm and inviting, you do not want to overwhelm buyers with your personal tastes. Even though, on some level, people know that your things will go with you, personal items often distract them, making them view the house as someone else's home. Staging is all about making buyers feel at home.
Neutralize your space
While you may love purple, a potential buyer may not find it nearly as attractive. Paint over the purple with a more neutral color so it will appeal to as many people as possible. Remember, do the work for the buyer. This is especially true if you have many different colors throughout the home. You stand to increase offers on your home by thousands of dollars just by spending a little time and money repainting.
Set the stage with attractive furnishings
If your furnishings leave something to be desired, replace them with pieces that are more attractive. Use slipcovers, purchase gently used furniture, or borrow a piece from a friend. It is also wise to insert furniture or accessories into empty spaces to avoid the appearance of wasted square footage.
Create good flow
If you need advice regarding furniture arrangement, ask for help. You want visitors to walk through your home easily and imagine how their furnishings will look in each space. Awkward arrangements will make buyers feel apprehensive and wonder if their things will fit comfortably. In addition, make sure your furniture arrangement does not detract from focal points such as fireplaces or bay windows. If there is too much furniture in a room, making it feel crowded, remove one or two pieces during the open house.
With a little work and very little money, many sellers are able to realize an excellent return for their efforts. You can do the same by setting the stage for competitive offers.
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