7 Tips for Styling Your Home To Sell
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Most buyers can’t see the potential of a home. If the home isn’t shown at its best, they can’t envision themselves living there. The first impression is critical to potential home buyers when selling your home. You’re not just selling a home; you’re selling a lifestyle. Potential home buyers want to envision themselves living in the home.
Here are 7 tips for styling your home to sell.
1. PAINT
Paint is usually the most inexpensive change you can make to a home. You would be surprised how much a fresh coat of paint can do to a home. Walls painted with a contemporary soft color can inject light and make the room feel fresh and clean. Consider Benjamin Moore Excalibur Gray, Moonshine, or Silver Marlin.
2. FOCUS ON SPACE
Create a space and layout to be inviting and appear to be spacious. Consider using mirrors. Mirrors will reflect the light in the room by enhancing natural light coming from windows. Also, create a focal point in the space. Whether you’re using the fireplace as a focal point, bar cart, or a feature wall; layout of the furniture should enhance the focal point.
3. ACCESSORIZE BOOKCASES
If you have bookcases or bookshelves in the room; they should be styled minimally. Refrain from using personal photos. Remember, you want the buyer to be able to envision themselves living in the space. Common items used for accessorizing: books, vases, picture frames, and decorative objects. When accessorizing use the Rule of 3. An odd number is more appealing.
4. INCORPORATE AREA FOR ENTERTAINING
If it’s the dining room, be sure to accessorize the dining table with a tablescape. Use complimentary and/or coordinating color scheme with the living room if you have an open concept floor plan. If outdoors, create a seating space (big or small) and possibly a grilling/dining area. Incorporating an entertaining area will show the potential buyer how they can entertain in the home. You want to pull on the buyer’s emotions and create a mood in each room. The room should tell a story.
5. ADD GREENERY
Personally, I love adding natural elements to a room. If you don’t have a green thumb use artificial flowers or plants. They can add color and interest to any room.
6. DECLUTTER, DEODERIZE, DEPERSONALIZE
Also known as the 3 D’s of staging. Get a “kick start” on packing by removing all personal items. This would be family photos, heirlooms, teddybear collection, or anything that speaks to your personal taste. If you’re a smoker or have pets; you don’t want potential buyers to come in and smell this. You want to remove odors from the home.
7. CURB APPEAL
This is the first thing buyers see when they come to the home. Be sure that the flower beds are cleaned. Even if you’re not a gardener, you can at least trim the shrubs and lay fresh mulch. Make sure the walkway and porch are clear of debris.
Of course these aren’t all inclusive tips. However, a great start to preparing your home to sell. Selling can be just as stressful as buying a home. Why not make it easier on yourself and prepare the home to sell for the highest price in the shortest amount of time by showing the home’s best features.