Top 5 Do’s and Don’t of Staging your home for sale

Check out the Cameron Real Estate home selling guide for our check list to selling your home here

Tip #1 – Stage where it counts

Not all rooms are considered equal when it comes to home staging. You want to focus your efforts on the rooms that have the biggest potential to influence buyers’ decisions and spend less time on the rooms that won’t make much of a difference.

Tip #2 – De-personalize the space

Start by removing any personal photos, making sure to take down both framed photos on walls and surfaces and anything that’s hanging on your fridge. Keep clothes stored away and out of sight, and clear bathroom counters of personal items, like toothbrushes and contact solution.

Tip #3 – Get rid of clutter

Clutter takes up space, and space is what sells. Make your home look bigger and more desirable by editing down to just the basics. You don’t have to get rid of things forever, but you should certainly be packing them up and getting them out of the house.

Tip #4 -Patch and repair

Home staging is a good time to tackle the tiny nicks, scratches, holes, and other impurities that signal neglect to buyers. Start with a melamine foam eraser pad and go room to room removing any scuffs from walls. Keep an eye out for any areas that could use a little TLC, then spackle and caulk as necessary.

Tip #5 – Let there be light

Dark rooms are sad rooms. Brighten up by letting as much light shine in the house as possible. Open the blinds on all of the windows, which in addition to letting in more light will also make rooms seem bigger. (If your yard needs a bit of work, keep blinds down but open the slats to get a similar effect without showcasing any problem areas.) Turn on all the lights in your house for showings, including lamps and closet lights.

Mistake #1 – Too Much Furniture

Pay careful attention to the amount of furniture in each room of your home. Filling a house with excess furniture is a very common staging mistake — if the furniture barely fits, buyers will have a hard time imagining how they’ll make their everyday lives, and their own furniture, fit into the same space.

Mistake #2 – Neglecting Exterior Areas

First impressions are important, so don’t skimp on staging your home’s exterior. Simple tasks like trimming the bushes and planting flowers can have a huge impact.

Mistake #3 – Household Smells

We often become immune to all the smells in our homes, from pets to lingering kitchen odours. However, newcomers will notice unpleasant or unusual smells instantly. Banish any unpleasant scents before your home goes on the market.

Mistake #4 – Excessive Dark Paint

Dark paint colours can work in certain rooms, but don’t overdo it. Dark hues can make a room feel small and uninviting. Neutral, light colours are best when selling your home.

Mistake #5 – Hanging Artwork too High

Artwork and other wall decorations should be hung at eye level. If you’re taller than average and have hung your artwork accordingly, you may need to move things down.

Talk to us about how we can help you get your home ready for sale.