Are you thinking of selling your house? You may sell it faster and even start a bidding war if it is properly staged.
First impressions are important, especially when it comes to putting your abode on the market.
And with more housing developments popping up on landscape, making it a buyer's market, competition to sell real estate is fierce.
In order to stand out and nab that 'sold' sign on their front lawn, many home-owners are opening up their wallets and hiring a home stager – an investment that can pay off big time.
In fact, staging can potentially add an extra 10-15 per cent of the price you can get for your home
and will help sell your house faster than the messy, unkempt one, down the street. So get in on the buyer's market and sell it faster! On a budget? Don't sweat it – there's no need to hire a stager. With these 7 tips, you can easily do it yourself!
1. Boost Curb Appeal
Starting with the outside, tidy up the front and back yard. By power washing, weeding, cutting the grass and clearing up clutter and toys, you'll help to make your home more appealing and inviting.
2. It's Not Personal
Go through every room in your house and take down all family pictures and personal items. People want to imagine THEIR family in the home, not YOURS!
3. Clean Your Closet
Tidy up bedroom closets and get rid of any old clothing you haven't worn in the last year or two. Make sure all hangers are the same and expose of wired ones. To step it up a notch, colour co-ordinate your clothes, bags and shoes, as this will help to make your closet look more organized and larger.
4. Tidy, Tidy & Tidy
There is nothing more satisfying to the eye than a sparkling clean house. Clean all walls, window sills, blinds and baseboards with some warm, soapy water. Touch up the paint and any scratches or marks on walls and baseboards. Dust all light fixtures and ceiling fans. Next, it's time to clean out the fridge, cupboards and drawers. After all, no one wants to see old rotting fruit in the fridge or unorganized dishes in the cupboards.
5. Update Any Art
Is your wall art outdated? It might be time to update the look of some of your old, framed art work and add a modern look to your décor. Add some fresh plants or a vase of vibrant coloured flowers to your mantel, or kitchen table. Adding a bowel of fruit will also add colour and beauty to your kitchen.
6. Beautify all Bathrooms
Make your bathroom feel like a spa! Replace all coloured towels with fluffy white ones. Strategically place lotions on the counter, candles by the tub and maybe a beautiful, tropical plant by the window.
7. Great Lighting is Key
When you have your showing, be sure to turn on all the lights and open all blinds and windows. It's refreshing to have a pot of simmering citrus or cinnamon on the stove or perhaps a few scented candles. Soft music in the background can also help set the ambiance and make your home more appealing and inviting.
And there you have it – 7 tips to give your home that competitive edge. With just a bucket of soapy water, some fresh paint and a little effort and organizing, you'll be sure to get your listing off the market and get the price your asking without breaking the bank.