Staging not only distinguishes your property from others in a competitive market, but it also presents your home as move-in ready to buyers who are eager to make a quick purchase. Empty rooms tend to appear smaller than they truly are, making it crucial to create a visually appealing atmosphere that showcases the potential of the home. By doing so, buyers can envision themselves in their ideal living space rather than just in your house.

Here are a few tips to help you stage and sell your home like a pro.

Embrace Neutrality

Staging a home involves intentionally creating an environment that anyone can imagine themselves living in. To appeal to a wider audience, opt for neutral paint and textile colors, such as elegant light grays, beiges, and shades of white. Light neutral tones reflect light beautifully, making rooms feel more expansive. This brings us to our next tip...

The Power of Lighting

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but proper lighting can elevate it even further. We all understand the impact that lighting (or lack thereof) can have on photos or videos. That's why it's crucial to mix and layer different light sources, such as chandeliers, sconces, and floor lamps. Use these quick tips to showcase your home in the best light:

1. Add a chandelier to the foyer or open living space to create a wow factor and add a touch of sophistication.

2. Place a floor lamp next to sofas, chairs, or tight corners to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for curling up with a good book.

Bringing in the Light

Fernanda Bertrand, one of the co-owners and founders of Upstaging Seattle, suggests strategic placement of window treatments to maximize natural light. "Usually, people hang their curtains right above the window frame," explains Bertrand, "but it's better to hang them two inches below the ceiling instead."

This is a crucial tip for sellers to keep in mind since it creates the perception of larger rooms with higher ceilings by letting in more light.

All Mirrors, No Smoke

Mirrors can be a game-changer, especially for compact bedrooms or dimly lit areas. You don't need to go overboard, but a few well-positioned mirrors can make a significant difference. Here are some quick tips:

Opt for sizable mirrors for your bathroom vanities. Hang large mirrors over credenzas or consoles to add brightness and a spacious feel. Position mirrors next to windows to reflect more light and create an illusion of more space. Lean a floor mirror against the wall to visually enlarge smaller rooms.

Simplicity is Key

When selling your home while still living in it, it's best to remove at least a third of your belongings before you start showing the property. Adopting a minimalist aesthetic is essential as buyers don't want to view your home, but instead envision themselves living there. Removing bulky furniture, large toys, and general clutter, especially from countertops, tables, closets, and drawers, will maximize space and increase your ROI. Personal items, such as family photos and children's artwork, should also be stored away.

If renting furniture, choose smaller sofas and other pieces that create more space for potential buyers' imaginations. A well-staged home enables buyers to visualize how their own belongings will fit within the property and offers valuable design inspiration.

Pro Tip: Cort is an excellent and cost-effective option for renting furniture to stage your home.

Ready to list your home and want more staging advice? Call me at (312)927-0852 to schedule a consultation and we’ll go from there!

https://www.neweastsideliving.com/