Staging Your Home For Sale

Wondering if it’s worth the time, effort and money to stage your home for sale? The answer is, Yes! Discover why home staging is imperative in today’s real estate market and see our 5 tips for doing it right. Today’s buyer has come to expect the professional look they see on home and design TV […]

Wondering if it’s worth the time, effort and money to stage your home for sale? The answer is, Yes! Discover why home staging is imperative in today’s real estate market and see our 5 tips for doing it right.

Today’s buyer has come to expect the professional look they see on home and design TV shows. Plus, there is no denying that staged homes look better in photos. However, there is more to it than your home simply looking pretty.

Professional Home Stager Anna Topolinsky, who recently staged this beautiful home (pictured below), says, “It’s imperative to work with a professional home stager when getting your home prepared to sell. They will ensure it appeals to any buyer, allowing them to emotionally attach to your home. You will also be given suggestions on how to update your home to give you the best return on your investment.”

Arthur Street, St. Catharines

Pictured is 105 Arthur Street, St. Catharines. Check out this listing.

Understanding the benefits of staging a home can help you decide if it’s right for you, and how much to invest in doing it.

“There is a small investment in home staging but the average cost of staging is much less than a price reduction if your home does not sell,” Anna adds.

A 2017 National Association of Realtors (NAR) report found 77 percent of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for people to visualize the property as theirs.

Staging can increase your sales price. The same NAR report said 29 percent of sellers’ agents said the sales price for staged homes were between 1 and 5 percent higher than unstaged homes.

Staged homes sell faster. 39 percent of sellers’ agents reported that staging a home “greatly decreases” days on the market.

Real Estate Expert Karl Vanderkuip of callkarl.ca, says, “Whether it’s a vacant home (a must!) or having a stager come in to help reorganize your own pictures and furniture, staging has become a cornerstone to how we are look to present and maximize the appeal to potential buyers. I have yet to list my own home without a third-party’s opinion.”

Here are 5 tips for staging your home for sale

1. Declutter

The most basic task when staging a home involves removing clutter. Remove knick-knacks and personal items from all surfaces. And don’t just put them in closets; potential buyers usually look in them, and you want yours to appear roomy. Box up spare belongings and get them out of the house.

2. Deep Clean

With all the clutter gone, do a deep cleaning. Make your kitchen and bathroom sparkle, and be sure to close the toilet lid before people come by. Air out the entire house by opening the windows, which is better than air fresheners or scented candles, which can trigger allergies. And make sure you wash everything your pets touch. No one is attracted to pet odour. Don’t forget the outside of your house! Get buyers in the door by power-washing your house and walkways, cleaning your windows, mowing the lawn, trimming overgrown greenery, and planting flowers.

3. Keep it bright

Buyers typically like to see bright rooms, so lighting is an essential part of staging a home. Open your blinds or pull your curtains back. Make sure your light fixtures look appealing. If your lampshades are dingy or your fixtures are dated, consider replacing them. In addition to your overhead lighting, create an inviting atmosphere with lamps and wall sconces.

4. Stage important rooms first

If you don’t have the time or money to stage the whole thing, you can get the most for your money by staging certain rooms. The NAR survey found the living room is the most crucial space to stage, next comes the master bedroom, followed by the kitchen.

5. Remove and/or rent furniture

Remove about half your furniture. This could be difficult since you are probably using the furniture in your home. But your house will look bigger and more appealing to buyers with less furniture in it. If your furniture doesn’t look showroom-ready, remove it all and rent nicer, newer pieces. If you have a porch, include outdoor furniture. Once your house is picture-perfect, add some finishing touches. People love to see fresh flowers in vases, a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, and folded towels in the bathroom.

For more information on Professional Home Staging by Anna Topolinsky, go to imagesstagedwithflair.ca

 

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Arbour Vale St. Catharines