The Atlanta housing market is sizzling this summer! Even though the lack of inventory is creating a seller’s market in most areas, buyers are still choosy and have big expectations when selecting their next home. Sellers need ensure their home is staged well and shows its best in order to get top dollar. Perhaps a huge renovation project isn’t in the budget prior to listing your home. That’s okay! You don’t always have to spend big money to have a big impact. Our resident design expert and Nationally Certified Home Stager, Liz Booher, is sharing some easy staging tips to make sure your home stands out above the competition.
1. Stage your closets. Ample storage is atop many buyers’ wish lists. Prior to listing your home is a great time to purge to help those closets show their best! Even removing half of the items in your closet and re-organizing will go a long way in making your closets feel larger. Make sure towels and sheets are neatly folded in linen closets. Keep clothes and shoes on the hangers/shelves and off the floor in bedroom closets. Keep storage closets neat by buying clear bins to organize miscellaneous items like light bulbs, extension cords, and batteries. Invest in a few cute baskets, bins, and boxes to wrangle and organize items and you have yourself Pinterest-worthy closets that buyers love.
2. Welcome them the right way. Arguably as important as your curb appeal is your entry-way. Most people use their entries or foyers as a catch-all; car keys, mail, the dog’s leash, shoes, etc. But when selling your home, your entry will set the tone for potential buyers. Simple staging can help your entry feel bright and welcoming. Remove the clutter. Add a bench and a piece of art or simple mirror. Add fresh cut flowers to a console table. Lamps are always a great way to add light to an area! Toss out your old stained rug and add a fresh, clean rug. These things can really go a long way in making your home feel more inviting right from the start.
3. Spruce up your living room. Your living room should be an area of focus since it is where everyone congregates. Staging it will help buyers envision how they’ll spend time relaxing with family or entertaining guests. Decluttering the room and editing down surfaces and bookshelves should be top priority. Arrange your furniture to maximize your floorplan and create a conversation area/focal point. These types of areas look welcoming for buyers! Add new life back into the room with some new throw pillows in a neutral, complementing color. Pick an accent color or two and work it into the room through textiles and art. Have a couple of table lamps or floor lamps in the space to maximize light. And as always, minimize personal photos.
For more great tips on getting your home ready to list, check out our post here.