First impressions are everything, and that’s where home staging comes in. Staging can effectively be the difference between a quick sale at asking price, and a prolonged listing. Typically this involves strategically arranging your home’s furnishings and decor to enhance its best features, creating an inviting space that appeals to the broadest range of potential buyers. With platforms like Cribbed, where buyers and sellers can connect without the need for an agent, staging becomes even more essential for attracting attention online. Cribbed allows sellers to take control of the process, offering assistance through a seller subscription on their platform. The goal is to present a clean, organized, and appealing environment where buyers can imagine themselves living. Here are some essential home staging techniques to help showcase your home’s potential.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
The first step in home staging is to clear out any unnecessary items and reduce personal belongings. Clutter makes a space feel smaller and more chaotic, distracting buyers from the features of the home. It also leaves the impression you are moving because the home isn’t large enough for you – and if it isn’t big enough for you it probably won’t be big enough for them. But it’s only an impression – once you reduce the volume of items in closets and other storage spaces, the concern doesn’t appear.
Tips for decluttering:
- Go through each room removing items you don’t need, such as excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal collections.
- Sell items that have value and are worth the time to get money for
- Donate items you no longer need or use
- Obtain temporary storage for out of season items or things you can live without until closing
Buyers need to envision their own lives in the space, so minimize personal photos, keepsakes, and other personalized décor that make it feel like your home versus there, and serve as a distraction from the living space. Using a platform like Cribbed, buyers can easily visualize your home without the clutter, as they browse listings that showcase the space’s potential. Instead, opt for neutral artwork and accessories that will appeal to a wide audience. A blank canvas allows buyers to imagine how they would decorate the space.
2. Maximize the Space
Buyers are looking for homes that feel spacious and offer plenty of room to grow. Even if your home is on the smaller side, there are ways to make each room feel more expansive. Choose a layout that allows for easy flow through the room. Arrange furniture so that it highlights the room’s best features—like a fireplace or large windows—while also making the space feel open and inviting. Keep walkways clear and ensure there’s plenty of breathing room. Every home has standout features, whether it’s high ceilings, hardwood floors, or an impressive view. When staging, focus on drawing attention to these elements to make them the focal point. On Cribbed, showcasing these features can help your listing stand out, as buyers can explore homes that maximize space and potential through high-quality photos.
3. Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood in a home. Poorly lit spaces can feel dark and uninviting, while bright, well-lit rooms feel warm and welcoming. Use a combination of natural and artificial light to showcase each room’s potential.
Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Replace heavy drapery with lighter fabrics to brighten the room. Clean windows and use light, neutral paint colors to make spaces feel airy.
Tips for improving lighting:
- Make sure every room has sufficient light with a mix of overhead fixtures, table lamps, and floor lamps.
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs, opting for soft, warm tones.
- Highlight dark corners by placing lamps or wall sconces strategically to illuminate the space evenly.
- Turn every light on for pictures and for showings.
4. Neutralize the Color Palette
While bold colors may be your personal style, they may not resonate with potential buyers. To appeal to the largest number of people, neutral tones are key. A neutral color palette creates a calming environment and makes it easier for buyers to imagine adding their own style to the home.
Tips for neutralizing colors:
- Select shades like soft grays, beiges, or whites when painting walls.
- Use complimentary neutrals in your furnishings and decor, like taupe or cream throw pillows and rugs.
- Add pops of color with accent pieces like artwork, vases, or plants to avoid making the space feel too sterile.
5. Final Touches: Clean and Fresh
A clean home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Deep cleaning is essential before any showings.
Tips for final touches:
- Avoid cooking foods with specific, lingering odors.
- Don’t smoke in the home when your house is for sale.
- Hire professional cleaners if possible, ensuring all surfaces, floors, and appliances sparkle.
- Get rid of any odors by using natural air fresheners, and consider adding fresh flowers or scented candles for a subtle fragrance.
- Make sure the home smells fresh and clean rather than artificial or overly perfumed.
By applying these home staging techniques, you’ll ensure your home looks its best and appeals to the widest range of buyers. Listing your home on Cribbed gives you even more leverage, as the platform provides guidance through its seller subscription model to make your listing stand out. The goal is to present a space that feels welcoming, spacious, and full of possibilities—a place where buyers can easily envision making their own memories.
If you’re ready to learn more, feel free to contact us for additional information and personalized assistance.