Transform Your Home: Pro Staging Tips from a Houston Realtor

Katharine Nichols August 13, 2024
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When it comes to selling property in Houston, there are some very important steps that need to be taken, prior to placing your home on the market. According to the National Association of REALTORS (2021), Eighty-one percent of buyers' agents said staging helped their clients visualize the property as their home. The key is to create a space that potential buyers can envision as their own.The sellers who take the time to execute these steps will get a much better outcome on their investment. Here are seven steps to properly preparing your home for the market:

1. Declutter for a Fresh Start

The first step is decluttering. Think of it as giving your home a fresh start. Remove excess furniture, personal items/photos and anything that might distract buyers. This creates a clean, open space where potential buyers can envision their own belongings. Remember, less is more!

2. Deep Clean for a Sparkling Impression

A clean home is not only a happy home but also a sale-ready one. Bad odor is the #1 deterrent for home buyers. That’s a big deal! Make sure every surface of your home, from countertops to windows, sparkles. Deep cleaning enhances both the look and smell of your home, creating a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. For an extra touch of polish, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

3. Neutralize Your Space

Your home is an ultimate reflection of yourself and while you might love the purple accent wall in your kitchen or the funky wallpaper in your living room, potential buyers may not. It might be boring, but neutral colors are often the best choice to create a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their own style in the space. Soft neutrals like beige, gray, or off-white walls can help to make your home more appealing and sale-ready.

4. Highlight the Best Features

What is your favorite feature of your home? Is it the covered porch in your backyard, your recently renovated kitchen, or your primary bathroom? These standout features that you love are also likely to catch the eye of prospective buyers. Showcasing these elements can create an emotional connection that resonates with potential buyers.

5. Furniture Finesse: Less Is More

During staging, furniture placement plays an essential role in the functionality and flow of the room and floor plan as a whole. Overcrowding a space with too much furniture can make it feel cramped and give the impression that the home lacks adequate space. To avoid this, thoughtfully arrange furniture to highlight the room's size and potential. Each piece should serve a purpose, contributing to a layout that feels both spacious and inviting. Consider the natural pathways through the home and ensure they are unobstructed, allowing for easy movement.

6. Create an Inviting Entryway

You only get one chance to make a first impression! The entryway is the first thing buyers see when they enter a home, so it's essential to set the stage for a positive viewing experience. Keep the area tidy and consider adding a fresh doormat or a potted plant to create a welcoming atmosphere. A well-maintained exterior sets the tone for the rest of the home, giving buyers a positive impression right from the start.

7. Consult the Experts

When in doubt, consult your Realtor. They are experts in the field with a keen eye for what works and what doesn't. Their personalized tips, honed through years of experience, can significantly enhance your home's appeal and overall selling experience.

Staging your home goes beyond a simple makeover—it's about crafting an irresistible vision for potential buyers. By decluttering, deep cleaning, using neutral colors, and showcasing your home's best features, you're not just selling a property; you're presenting a lifestyle. So, roll up your sleeves and start transforming your home into a buyer's dream!

Ready to make the most of your home sale? Connect with us today and see your home transform into a buyer’s dream! 

Happy staging! 🏡✨

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