In today's real estate market the homes that sell the fastest are the ones that potential clients can't stop thinking about for days after a viewing. Staging your house can prove to be a very effective tool in making your house stand out from the rest and leave a lasting impression. However, hiring a staging professional might not always be within reach for budget-minded sellers. If you are thinking about selling your home and don't want to break the bank in the process, I have a few tips to get you started.
Look at your floors...
Dirty (Sippy Cup spill?) or worn carpet (is your house is the neighborhood hangout for all of your son's friends?) is an eyesore and potential buyers will notice. Depending on your budget you may want to consider doing a professional carpet cleaning or even replace the carpet. Carpet cleaning prices can range from $200 to $500 depending on how big your house is, but will make a significant improvement in the appearance and the smell of your carpet.
If your budget allows, you may want to consider replacing it completely. Complete carpet replacement is definitely more expensive than cleaning but in some cases it may be necessary. If you opt for replacing your carpet with a lower grade carpeting you might want to consider upgrading the padding underneath to give the carpeting a more luxurious feel while still saving you some money.
If you really want to get the potential buyers interest, consider installing wood floors. According to a 2010 study on national floor trends, red oak was listed as being the most popular flooring option among interested buyers. Wood flooring isn't usually on a list of budget-friendly upgrades, but it can make a huge impact when selling your house.
Let in the light...
Break out the paint rollers...
Paint can be one of the cheapest methods for improving both the look and feel of your home. Stay away from using flat or matte finishes as they often show more scuffs and can be difficult to clean. Using finishes with a higher sheen can help make rooms feel larger by reflecting light off the walls. Steer away from colors that may be too personal (pink, bright yellow, orange) and try to stick with colors that are neutral to help buyers envision their own furniture matching the house.
Don't forget the baseboards and trim when painting!!! Such a simple chore that can make a huge difference. Choosing antique white or navajo white to repaint the trim and baseboards around your house can give your house a clean feeling and make the details in your homes architecture look amazing.
Pack up the clutter...
Nobody wants to walk in to the home you're selling and see all of your personal belongings laying around the house while they are trying to envision themselves living in it. Start by boxing up items you use once a year and know you can live without for the time being ( i.e. items your closets, basement, attic, etc... ). This will help those areas appear larger and more appealing to potential buyers. Next, start going through the house and box up excessive personal items like family photos, toys, clothes, etc... The purpose isn't to make your house feel like nobody lives there, but rather to help the potential buyer envision themselves living there. The more things you are able to box up and move out of the house, the bigger and cleaner it will feel to a buyer.
Spending money on staging can increase the chances of selling your home but there are plenty of budget-friendly options for you to explore that won't break the bank. If you have any questions about these tips or need a staging referral (I use one of the best in Charlotte), shoot me an email. Good luck!
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