Jennifer Lee Mazeika

ABR, GRI, CRS

“Home is where your story begins, I’ll help you get there.”

Home Staging Has A Big Impact On The Value
of Your Home

All buyers hope that the purchase of a new home will make their lives better. By staging your home, you can help evoke these feelings in the slightest ways. A ruthlessly clean and organized kitchen with matching updated appliances can fulfill a home chef’s fantasies. While lake memorabilia and décor, can suggest a water-fun lifestyle. Staging your home helps you highlight your home’s strengths and make it appealing to potential buyers.

 

What’s the return on investment?

  • 37% of realtors representing sellers believe that buyers most often offer a 1-5% increase on the value of a staged home and 22% believe that buyers get an offer a 6-10% increase on the value of a staged home.
  • Staged properties spend 73% less time on the market.
  • Typically staged homes sell for more money
  • End up on Buyer’s “must see” lists
  • Are considered well-maintained

Source: Homestratosphere.com

Empty homes don’t show as well as furnished rooms, but either by employing a professional stager or DIY staging can only improve the value of your home and drive more traffic to your home.

A Few Basics of Home Staging

Painting
Choosing just the right paint color can make all the difference in how your home shows in-person and on-line. Neutrals in cool tone greys and light blues seem to be on trend right now.  They present a neutral background that buyers can imagine their own furniture in that space. They don’t distract with specific personalized decor.
Painting the exterior of your home may take more time and effort, but it will rejuvenate a faded-looking home.

Welcoming Entrance
I know you have read this before but first impressions count. And that means from the moment they get out of their car and arrive at your entrance.  Whether it is fresh landscaping leading up to your door or a freshly painted door and entrance way, keep it clean and inviting.

Kitchen
The counter tops should be clean and as empty as possible. On countertops, only put out ‘staging’ items, such as fresh flowers, basket of apples, etc. Remove items off refrigerator. Remove trash cans before showings. I have already discussed all the “repairs” that should already have happened in my February 2019 blog, “Secrets About Selling Your House Now. You are now actively showing your home to potential buyers and trying to make your home appealing to them.

Bathrooms
The countertops should be clean and as empty as possible. Put away all personal hygiene items. Take away wastebasket. Put out ‘staging’ towels.

Bedrooms
Make sure every bed is made. Use your ‘staging’ linens and pillows. Put away any personal items on furniture.  Closets should have already been neat and organized to show plenty of storage.

Living Room
Remove unnecessary furniture that impedes flow. Remove personal photos. Make sure curtains are open to allow the most light. Remove pet beds, toys, etc. The same goes for kid’s toys. Make sure light fixtures have new bulbs and are not burned out.

Dining Room
Remove unnecessary furniture making room appear as large as possible. Make sure lighting fixture over the table in clean and shining brightly.

So why do I need to stage my home?

The energy you will spend staging your home for showings will also translate into the real estate listing photos of your home. Attracting buyers online and driving more traffic to view your home in person is the first step in most real estate transactions.

Here is a quick checklist for preparing your home for the photo shoot:

Preparing Your Home for Real Estate Photos

  • Have the lawn mowed, leaves raked, and bushes trimmed.
  • When in season, flowers can add a gorgeous pop of color.
  • Remove all vehicles from the driveway and front of the house.
  • Make sure all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools, etc, are put away. Make sure garage doors are closed.
  • If you will be doing outside twilight photos, be sure to check all outdoor lights and change dim or broken bulbs.
  • Remove any “cute” yard decorations.
  • Remove any clutter inside the house. Put away toys, clothes, dishes, etc.
  • Make beds.
  • The counter tops in the bathrooms and kitchens should be as clean and as empty as possible.
  • Make sure the kitchen sink is empty and all dishes are put away.
  • Hide trash cans.
  • Hide personal photos.
  • Replace any light bulbs that are out.
  • Remove decorations and magnets on the fridge.
  • Remove/hide any pet beds, water/food bowls, toys, and etc.
  • If there is a pool, please make sure it is clean and uncovered.
  • Make sure each room has a purpose, if it is a dining room, remove laptops, toys, and etc.
  • Hang fresh, fluffy bath towels in all baths.
  • Remove bath products from the shower and tubs.
  • Remove bath mat and toilet lid covers. They can be a distraction in photos.
    PLEASE close toilet lids.  
  • Please make sure pets are contained.

Source: http://showsgreat.photography – wanda richards

All buyers hope in their hearts that the purchase of a new home will make their lives better. So showing your home in the best possible light will only reinforce that idea.

Please contact me at  540-537-2332 or email me at jmazehomes4you@gmail.com for a free no-obligation consultation.