Decluttering, deep-cleaning, and de-personalizing your home help you to emotionally move out and a potential buyer to mentally move in.
A recent survey from the International Association of Home Staging Professionals shows that staging helps sell homes three to 30 times faster than the nonstaged competition. Further, staging can help increase the sale price by up to 20 percent on average.
Rebecca Dickinson of Lemondrop Home has staged many homes on the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City’s Parade of Homes, and she sees the difference it makes. “Staging helps present the property in its best light, making it stand out in a crowded market,” she says. “Additionally, staging can distract a buyer from deferred maintenance issues by drawing attention away from imperfections and highlighting the home’s potential. For homes with challenging floor plans, staging can be especially beneficial, as it provides clarity on how the rooms will function and flow, making the space feel more inviting and livable.”
She suggests “creating a bright, open atmosphere.” Buyers react to how your home looks, feels, and smells. “Many homes can feel dark and closed off, so using light-colored, lightweight furniture helps open up the space and make it feel airy,” she says. “Repainting walls with neutral, light-colored paint can brighten up the home, making it feel more inviting and spacious. Refreshing worn or outdated carpet gives the home a cleaner, more modern feel. A fresh, clean scent is key—removing heavy drapery and old pillows can help eliminate lingering odors that can trap scents.”
If you want someone to notice a room’s potential, arrange furniture in a way that creates a natural flow. Keep spaces uncluttered, which makes a room feel more spacious and allows buyers to realize how a room can function.