Staging means preparing a home for sale to appeal to the largest number of buyers, increasing the chances of selling quickly and for a higher price. As a seller, you can stage your own home, have your Realtor® help you stage it, or hire a professional home Stager.

A new twist on home staging is “virtual” staging, which means that photos of a home are digitally enhanced to demonstrate the possibilities of the space.  A great way for a prospective buyer to visualize their own furniture in the new space. 

Great staging should show off the home’s best assets, making it appealing for a wide range of prospective buyers. Creating a visually pleasing space where every single buyer can imagine their future should be the ultimate goal. 

5 BIG WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

Potential buyers need to enter a house that will boost their creativity and one they can imagine as their own. The property shouldn’t feature personal items. Once the buyers come inside, they will have a vision about how they want to decorate the space and create new memories there.  

Removing all personal items is a professional tip that you have to do right from the start. This includes personal hygiene products, framed photos, decorations, toys, travel souvenirs and even clothes, if possible.  

Floors and walls should be clean, but did you remember the windows? They should be squeaky clean and sparkling because it’s one of the first things clients will notice when they arrive at the property.  Next, don’t forget about quality window treatments. 

Everyone wants a room filled with light during the day and privacy at night. Also, a bright room will appear more spacious. Keep in mind that window treatments for condominiums will be different than for houses and townhouses, and often can make or break the deal. Many condos have lots of windows, often floor to ceiling. A great investment is blackout window coverings. This can be a great selling feature as it provides privacy and adds a beautiful esthetic.

Another smart idea is to make the ceilings appear taller with curtains and drapes that start from the ceiling and reach the floor.

De-cluttering should be your next step. When a prospective buyer sees a home that is too cluttered, they simply can’t imagine living in a space like that. They also won’t be able to paint a picture of a potential home because they will be overwhelmed with everything that’s going on around them. Clutter makes the entire space appear smaller, and that’s the last thing you want.  Remove all the items that you don't need (out of sight).

Taking care of the gutter means preventing roof, foundation, wood damage, pest infestation, basement flooding and interior damage. Gutter cleaning and ensuring that the gutter system works properly will also enhance the appearance of the home. Who knows, maybe this will lead the clients having a “love at first sight” moment. Remember, the outer appearance is just as important as the inside of the property you’re selling.

Not everyone is a fan of bold, striking colours. That’s why it’s recommended that the space you’re selling features neutral tones. This is the most appealing palette for potential buyers because it makes the rooms appear larger, gives a fresh look and helps the space look sophisticated.

Neutral shouldn’t mean boring. Although the home shouldn’t be personalized and feature bold colours, it should still have cool accessories that make it stand out. Bold colours can be accents such as, flowers, vases, pillows, throw blankets, towels and other decorations.

The way furniture is placed in the rooms is quite important. Each room should have a purpose. The space shouldn’t be too cramped with furniture, and it shouldn’t be too empty.  Remove all pieces that are too big and limit the moving space around the home.

Sometimes the furniture style of the home owners doesn't meet the style of the prospective buyers, in this case renting furniture can be beneficial. The mutual goal between the Realtor and the sellers is, to sell the home at the highest and best value and as quickly as possible. 

These five tips might sound simple, but you’ll soon see how beneficial they are.

Have more questions about staging?  I'm always here to answer your burning real estate questions.  Feel free to call me anytime at 416-476-9678 or email me at shaisavella@gmail.com.