Staging a home can help you capture the interest of prospective buyers and expedite your sale. While your goal is to create an attractive, neutral space that potential buyers can see themselves living in, it’s easy to go about this the wrong way. To help you make a great first impression, here are the do’s and don’ts of staging a home when you’re trying to sell a house.  

Do:

Focus on Curb Appeal

While homeowners typically focus their efforts inwards, curb appeal is just as important to focus on when you sell a house. After all, your home’s outward appearance is the first impression potential buyers will have of your property. Overlook this crucial step, and you could lose a sale before it’s even started.

Start by getting your landscaping in order. Mow the lawn, fill in problem spots with mulch, and consider planting flowers for visual interest. It’s also the time to fix up your entrance with a fresh coat of paint or by tackling any minor repairs such as a broken mailbox or rusty handrail. 

Keep Décor Neutral

The goal of staging is to create an attractive space, but you should also maintain a neutral appearance. Avoid bold décor and dark, saturated paint, as these aspects can dissuade potential buyers. Instead, focus on neutral paint colors such as grays, creams, or light browns. These tones create an empty canvas, allowing buyers to fill in the blanks with their stylistic sensibilities. Remove any personal effects that may alienate prospective buyers, such as large framed family photographs and religious relics.

Don’t:

Start Major Renovation Projects

Many homeowners will attempt to squeeze in a major renovation before they sell a house, thinking it will give them greater returns. More often than not, last-minute work is going to end up costing you. Avoid anything that requires major construction and creates a mess, such as tearing down walls. Chances are you’ll end up cutting corners, and the rush job will cost more money and aggravation than it’s worth.

Neglect the Cleaning

Although you shouldn’t take on heavy renovation projects when preparing to sell a house, you also shouldn’t neglect cleaning. Small-scale updates are appropriate and often beneficial. Suitable examples include touching up paint, rearranging furniture to open up your space, and decluttering. Focus on emphasizing your existing square footage, keeping clutter to a minimum, and creating an inviting space that people won’t want to leave.

If you’re ready to sell a house, put your trust in the expert real estate agents at Coldwell Banker Realty Champions, Inc. in Chillicothe, OH. With over 30 years of experience serving Chillicothe and Ross Counties, this residential real estate agency has prided themselves on ethical practices, not cutting corners, and operating with the highest of standards. Give them a call at (740) 775-8500 or visit them online to learn why you can “expect the best” when buying or selling property.