The 3 D’s Of Hassle Free Home Staging
Selling a home can be extremely stressful and time consuming. The average person now moves at least 3-5 times during their life span and the amount of stress involved with selling your home never changes regardless of how many times you have done it.
The key to eliminating much of the stress is to sell your home quickly and for the best price. Staged homes typically sell faster than a home that is not staged. It is always best to stage your home before the first open house and give potential buyers a great first impression.
Keys to keeping your stress down while staging and selling your home are simple. Follow the 3 D’s to hassle free home staging and your first open house could be your last!
DETACH
In order to properly stage your home, you must first emotionally detach yourself from your home. This is easier said than done, especially if you have lived there for a long time. You need to be able to look at your home objectively, as if it were a product on the shelf.
DEPERSONALIZE
Depersonalizing your home allows potential buyers to visualize their things and their lives in your home. This creates a neutral canvas for buyers to create their own space. Depersonalizing your home can be challenging, but following these guidelines will make the process easier.
Pictures, memorabilia, family heirlooms, etc. all need to be packed up and hidden from view. Scan each room for books and magazines; especially those with political views or material that may be offensive to an outsider and get rid of them. Get rid of obvious “old” and “worn out” things like toys, couch pillows, blankets, furniture, etc. Any “unique” or unusual décor, accents, or colors should be replaced by neutral shades and objects. Keep strong scents to a minimum. Light a scented candle with a soft, pleasant fragrance before you show your home.
DECLUTTER
The biggest issue with staging your home is getting rid of all the “stuff” that makes your house a home. In order to successfully stage your home you must go through the process of decluttering your entire home. This process not only gives your home the appearance of more space, but helps to depersonalize it as well.
Start with these tips and your home will be clutter free and ready to sell! Remove any extra furniture that is not essential fordaily functionality. Go through your books, art objects, electronics and furniture and keep only the things that are especially useful, meaningful or beautiful. Remove at least 50% of the things you have in your closet. This gives more storage space, which is exactly what buyers are looking for.
Look at all the stuff in your home and ask yourself these questions:
1. Does this item need repairs?
2. Why does this object live in my house and is this the best place for it?
3. Has the expiration date on this item passed?
4. Does this item help me live the kind of life I want to lead?
5. If this is a duplicate, which one is in the best condition, is of the best quality and will last the longest?
Once you have mastered the 3 D’s of home staging, you will be able to show your home with confidence. The stress and hassle that comes with selling your home will be greatly reduced and you will be able to look forward to starting the next chapter of your life in your new home.
Would like more information on what else you can do to get your home ready for your local market? Contact us today! info@prepthishouse.com
