If you want your home to stand out in the real estate market, staging it is a good place to start. Staging a home is a proven strategy to enhance a property’s appeal and potentially increase its market value. This can be helpful in competitive markets, like Portland area real estate. Whether you’re looking to sell a luxury downtown condo or a sprawling waterfront property, effective staging can be pivotal in attracting prospective buyers. This guide breaks down why you want to stage your home–and how to do it well.
The Importance of Staging a Home
Home staging goes beyond simple cleaning and decorating. It involves a lot of strategy, arranging furniture and decor to showcase a home's best features and potential. In the Portland area real estate market, where buyers have diverse needs and high expectations, staging can help make a property stand out. Here’s how staging can help you:
-
Faster Sale: Homes that are well-staged often spend less time on the market than non-staged homes.
-
Visual Appeal: Staging helps highlight the home’s strengths and downplays any weaknesses.
-
Higher Offers: A well-presented home often receives higher offers as buyers perceive higher value in a ready-to-move-in property.
-
Emotional Connection: Staging can help buyers visualize the property as their future home, which can motivate them to make an offer.
DIY Home Staging Tips
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
The first step to staging your home is to declutter. Go through each room to create a sense of spaciousness. Remove excess furniture, personal photographs, and any distracting decor. Your goal is to create a clean, neutral space. This lets potential buyers to picture themselves living there. Think about renting a storage unit for items that take up too much space.
2. Deep Clean Everything
A spotlessly clean home speaks volumes about the care and maintenance of the property. Pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchens. These areas often receive the most scrutiny from buyers. Clean windows, steam carpets, polish floors, and make sure that surfaces are impressively clean.
3. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light can transform a space. Good lighting can make a room seem larger and more inviting. Open all curtains and blinds during showings, and clean all windows. Replace any dark or heavy curtains with lighter fabrics to brighten the room.
4. Rearrange Furniture
Move your furniture strategically. Reposition each piece to maximize floor space and showcase the flow of your home. In the living room, you can create a cozy conversation area that focuses on a feature like a fireplace or a great view out a window. In bedrooms, make sure the bed is the focal point and is accessible from both sides.
5. Neutralize the Decor
Neutral colors appeal to the widest audience. Paint your walls in shades of white, beige, or light gray to freshen up spaces and make them appear larger. This palette also helps highlight architectural features without distractions from personal taste.
6. Update Fixtures and Hardware
Small details can make a big impact. Update outdated light fixtures, door handles, and cabinet knobs to modernize your home’s look. These minor changes can be cost-effective and still significantly enhance the overall aesthetic.
7. Accentuate Key Features
Every home has unique features. These special things can be accentuated through staging. If you have a fireplace, you can arrange seating around it to make it a focal point. If there are built-in bookshelves, organize them neatly and decorate them minimally to highlight this feature.
8. Refresh the Floors
Consider refreshing your floors. You can repair any noticeable scratches on hardwood. Also, consider replacing old or stained carpets or at least have them professionally cleaned.
9. Create Emotional Appeal
Buying a home is more than just a financial transaction. It’s also often an emotional one. Creating an emotional connection between your house and a potential buyer can go a long way. Add elements that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This can include fresh flowers in vases, a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter, or plush towels in the bathroom. These touches suggest a cared-for home and help buyers imagine living there.
10. Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions are crucial. Mow the lawn, prune bushes, and make sure the entryway is welcoming. A new doormat, potted plants near the front door, and a freshly painted front door can make a significant impact.
Staging a Waterfront Home
Waterfront properties in the Portland area are highly coveted. Staging these homes requires emphasizing the waterfront view and lifestyle:
-
Highlight the View: Arrange seating areas so they face the water. Keep windows unobstructed and clean to make sure the view is a focal point.
-
Outdoor Living: Stage outdoor spaces to showcase the lifestyle the waterfront offers. Comfortable outdoor furniture and dining areas can help buyers imagine relaxing and entertaining by the water.
-
Nautical Accents: Incorporate subtle nautical-themed decor to complement the waterfront setting without overpowering the space.
When to Consider Hiring a Professional Stager
While DIY staging can be effective, there are times when bringing in a professional might be the best choice:
-
High-Value Properties: For luxury or high-value homes, professional staging can be a wise investment.
-
Difficult Spaces: If your home has unconventional layouts or small, awkward spaces, a professional stager can use their expertise to maximize the usability and attractiveness of these areas.
-
Market Demands: In a highly competitive market, professional staging can give your home a critical edge. A stager can provide a meticulous design that appeals directly to the market demographic.
-
Time Constraints: If you are on a tight timeline to get your house on the market, a professional can quickly prepare your home, reducing stress and saving time.
Contact Lauren Jones Today
If you're ready to sell your home in the Portland area, Lauren Jones is here to assist. With her deep understanding of Portland area real estate, Lauren can help make sure your home is perfectly poised to attract buyers and secure the best possible offer. Reach out to Lauren Jones today and take the first step toward successfully selling your home.
*Header image courtesy of Lauren Jones
