Roger Morph 
The real estate market today is very competitive. Before the bidding wars of potential buyers and real estate agent negotiations, you will realize that simply putting out the ‘For Sale’ sign does not just cut it anymore. Buyers are looking for more than a house. A home and an experience all seem to be on the listing.
When a home does not appeal to a buyer, you could be stuck waiting for months or lowering your price. However, you can stage your home and transform it from just another listing into a dream home buyers are willing to compete for. Here are the expert staging tips for a quick sale:
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
As much as you’d like to show off those personal photos of your achievements to anyone who visits your home, you should not. Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home and not feel like an intruder. It’s also easier to sell your home when buyers can see their own lives in your home without having to mentally strip it of your belongings.
Decluttering and depersonalization are the way to go. However, this is a rather delicate task as you do not want to strip your home of all personality and make it look cold and uninviting. Try the 50% rule, where you remove at least half your things like family photos and leave tasteful decor like a stylish vase. Use hidden storage to keep everyday items for that effortlessly tidy look, This leaves a lot of space with less clutter. Less clutter is often perceived as more square footage, a quality that can get your home off the market quickly.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Strategic Lighting
Lighting affects mood, so you will want to use this to your advantage when staging your home. Use different kinds of light in different locations to serve different purposes. For instance, harsh overhead lights can make your home feel like a science laboratory with its sterile look. On the other hand, a dimly lit room feels small, unwelcoming, and may even look shabby.
Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient (overhead), task (lamps), and accent (wall sconces) lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Color-toned bulbs are a no-no. Use warm, white bulbs for a more inviting look.
3. Boost Curb Appeal
Take the concept of first impressions seriously. When trying to sell your home, nothing makes the first impression quite like the exterior of your home. The exterior sets the stage for what’s inside, so you should boost your curb appeal.
Trim hedges, paint the front door, and place potted plants on the porch. Ensure your garage door is in tip-top shape, even if it means a fresh coat of paint or necessary garage door repair to keep everything looking polished.
Additionally, a small balcony, a deck, or a backyard, shows buyers how they can use it while elevating your outdoor space for the maximum wow factor. If your house number is faded or outdated, replace it with bold, modern numbers to add instant curb appeal.
4. Go for Neutral Colors
While you paint your doors and outdoor spaces, it may be tempting to go for that bold pink color you love. But this is not going to be the taste of everyone, especially your potential buyers.
Using neutral colors helps you create a blank canvas that allows your buyers to project their own style onto the space.
It’s best to stick to soft whites, grays, or beige for walls. These colors make a room feel larger and brighter. For a touch of the personality that colors add, use throw pillows, rugs, or artwork in muted tones.
Endnote
The key to selling your home quickly is staging each room with purpose. It makes potential buyers linger longer, imagine their own lives in it, and ultimately make you an offer. By implementing these expert tips, you not only make your home more appealing but also increase its value and potential to sell quickly.
