Beyond Scented Candles and Cookies — Home Staging Strategies That Work



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If you're like most people who are beginning the process of putting their homes up for sale, you're probably aware of the concept of home staging. Home staging is a strategy used to present your home in a good light to prospective buyers by creating a warm, welcoming environment. Typical home staging techniques include burning scented candles, placing vases of fresh flowers in every room, and having something delicious and warm-from-the-oven in a conspicuous location on the kitchen counter. 

However, these strategies have become so overused that today's savvy homeowners are possibly immune — after all, when buyers see the same thing in every home they look at, the magic starts to wear thin. Fortunately, there are home staging techniques that transcend immunity.

Cultivate a Clean Scene 

Nothing takes the place of good old-fashioned cleanliness when it comes to impressing prospective homebuyers. Gleaming counters, spotless floors, and spic-and-span bathrooms are essential staging elements when trying to make your home as appealing to as many people as possible. Although this may seem obvious, many sellers are overlooking the impact that an impeccably clean home has in favor of traditional staging techniques. The home should also smell clean, but not in a way that indicates chemical cleaning agents. Try a light air freshener with minty notes about half an hour before prospective buyers are scheduled to arrive.

Kill Clutter

If you've lived in your home for any length of time, you've probably accumulated a bit of clutter that you may not notice anymore. Clearing it out not only gives you a head start on moving to your new home once your current one sells, but it also provides the kind of clean slate look that attracts buyers. You'll be amazed at the difference purging unwanted and unnecessary items and putting the rest in storage will make. You can also take this strategy one step further and completely move out before the home goes on the market.

Rent Furniture

Another benefit of moving out is that you can rent a few key pieces of top-quality furniture for the purpose of putting your home in its best possible light. You don't have to furnish the entire place — think striking, strategically placed statement pieces designed to spark the imaginations of potential buyers who are looking at the home.

Ready to make the move? Don't hesitate to contact me for more information on strategies designed to make your upcoming home sale go as quickly and smoothly as possible.