Does staging a home really help to sell it faster? Short answer: yes. The National Association of Realtors reports that 39 percent of sellers' agents said that staged homes are on the market for a greatly reduced amount of time. While it may require a bit of time and money to get each of your homes staged properly, it can equate to a bigger and faster paycheck in your pocket. Help buyers fall in love with each home you list with nice style and homey touches. Here is a room-by-room guide to making each home you list look perfect.
The Living Room
The living room is where a lot of families spend a majority of their time, so it needs to look comfortable so everyone can picture themselves hanging out there. Many people think rooms look bigger if furniture is against the walls, but that's not always true. When arranging furniture in your listing, position the couch and chairs away from the walls, but in a way that makes the walking path obvious. It could open up the space more and create an inviting room anyone would want to spend time in.
Symmetry is also important. Use matching end tables near the couch and chairs, and use pillows that have the same colors and patterns. Stick to more neutral colors so it creates a serene feel. Throw a pretty screensaver on the television, and voila, you've got an enticing living room to draw in buyers.
The Bedroom
The bedroom is one area that you can have a bit of fun when with staging. While it's smart in most rooms to stick to neutral colors, the smaller size and personal feel of a bedroom give you some wiggle room for throwing in splashes of fun colors. Be sure to stay gender neutral so both men and women can imagine themselves sleeping there.
The bed is the main focus of the room, so make sure you choose the correct size so the space is filled properly without overcrowding it. A queen-sized mattress, for instance, is a great size for most master bedrooms. Make closets appear larger by reducing the amount of clothes in them, and be sure that all valuables are put away for safekeeping. Clear away the clutter and most personal items, leaving a crisp room with just the essentials. Don't forget to add some accent pillows and a throw blanket for an extra touch of home.
The Kitchen
As with most rooms, the kitchen should be clutter-free. Remove any magnets from the refrigerator and clear the counters, with the exception of a classic centerpiece or teapot. As with the closets, remove anything that is unnecessary in the pantry in order to make the storage space seem bigger, and organize what is left. Cabinets are often the make-or-break point of a kitchen, so at the very least make sure they are clean and in good shape. If the hardware is outdated, consider replacing the knobs and pulls to give them a fresh look.
Staging a home does not have to be difficult. With some cleaning and tidying, most rooms will look presentable as they are. You might need to make an investment in some furniture and decorations, but it will be worth it when the home sells quickly and for a better price.
