Real estate has long been considered a critical investment portfolio component. The ability to generate income from rental properties and the potential for appreciation can make it an incredibly lucrative venture. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median existing home price was $346,900 in December 2022, representing an increase of 16.9% from a year earlier. This surge continued a trend that has seen prices climb steadily since 2011.
Not only is real estate a great way to build wealth through ownership and appreciation, but it can also provide steady income. Rental income from leased residential or commercial properties can offer investors reliable cash flows. According to CoreLogic’s July 2020 Single-Family Rental Market Report, rents were increasing nationally at 4.2% year-over-year—a rate well above inflation—and have now grown for ten consecutive months as stabilized demand in rental markets persists despite pandemic headwinds.
You might be selling real estate properties to cash in on the current market conditions or to capitalize on an opportunity elsewhere. Either way, staging your home is a crucial step that can help you secure top dollar for your property and minimize time spent on the market. Here are a few tips to help you stage your home for a successful sale.
Decluttering
Decluttering is essential to home staging as it allows buyers to see the potential of a space and envision themselves living in it. A cluttered house can be off-putting and make it difficult for buyers to appreciate a property’s features. Additionally, busy rooms with too much furniture or accessories can make them feel smaller than they are.
When decluttering, remove personal items such as family photos, collections, souvenirs, and other keepsakes that could take away from the appeal of your home. The goal is to create an environment that’s neutral and inviting—one that appeals to a broad range of buyers. As you remove items from each room, organize them in containers or boxes that you can quickly move out on moving day.
Keeping surfaces tidy and free from dust and dirt buildup is also essential. Cleaning will help make sure buyers have a positive first impression when entering your home for showings or open houses.
Decluttering is an essential part of home staging that should not be overlooked if you want your property to stand out and secure top-dollar offers from potential buyers. Taking extra time to ensure each area looks its best will likely result in significant returns on investment during the selling process!
Invest in Presentable Furniture
Once your home gets decluttered, it’s time to invest in presentable furniture. You don’t necessarily need to buy new items; instead, look for pieces that are free from wear and tear and have a modern look. Neutral colors like beige or gray are timeless and appeal to most buyers.
Adding accent pillows, throws, and blankets can also help comfort each room—something potential buyers will likely appreciate.
If you have any rooms with unique designs or special features, such as exposed beams or high ceilings, consider highlighting these areas with strategically placed furniture pieces. This will draw attention to the best parts of your property and create an inviting atmosphere for showings. You can find furniture stores online to help you find the ideal pieces for home staging.
Finally, ensure each room is evenly lit, and all windows are uncovered, allowing natural light to fill the space. This will help your home look bigger and brighter, adding to its appeal.
Improve Curb Appeal
If there is one thing potential buyers will notice first, it’s the exterior of your home. This is why improving curb appeal should be a top priority when staging—especially if you want to maximize buyer interest and secure competitive offers.
Start by trimming the lawn and tidying up any plants or shrubbery in the area. You can also add potted plants around the entrance of your house to give it a more welcoming look.
Then, assess the condition of your home’s exterior walls, doors, windowsills, shutters, and other features to ensure they are free from dirt and dust buildup. If necessary, power wash or paint these areas for a fresh look. Finally, consider replacing old hardware such as door handles and knockers.
Following these tips can help you create a positive first impression and welcome buyers into your home with a good attitude.
Final Thoughts
Home staging is a critical step in the real estate process. It can help you secure top-dollar offers from potential buyers and sell your home faster than ever. The key to success is to take the time to declutter each room, invest in presentable furniture, and ensure excellent curb appeal. With some hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to turn your house into a desirable property that will stand out on the market!
