Staging Your Home Step-by-Step

Home Staging

As you prepare to sell your luxury home, staging must be a top priority. Staging your home is an extremely effective way to sway buyers and stand out from other listings. To help make home staging simple, Terrie Cox, RE/MAX Equity Group shares can’t-miss tips drawn from her decades of experience in staging luxury homes for clients throughout Washington and Oregon.

Consult with Your Broker

Staging can be overwhelming – many homeowners aren’t sure where to start. Working with an experienced professional who understands the local market, like World-Ranked Broker Terrie Cox, allows you to benefit from their experience and takes much of the hassle off your plate. Your Broker will assess any repairs and changes that should be made before listing and taking photos and can give you an idea of which adjustments offer the greatest return on investment.

After talking with your Broker, develop a plan. Set firm dates by which you will complete tasks like cleaning, painting, and repairs and schedule any outside help that may be needed, including cleaners and contractors. This not only ensures you’re ready for showings but also promotes more attractive photos.

Clean Away Dirt, Clutter, and Personal Items

It goes without saying that your home should be sparkling clean when potential buyers arrive. This includes those easy-to-forget areas that might not make your weekly cleaning schedule, such as deep cleaning carpets, checking corners for cobwebs, and cleaning out your oven and refrigerator. However, clearing away clutter and personal items is just as important. As you prepare for staging, be sure to remove:

  • Photos, kids’ artwork, degrees and certificates, and other highly personal mementos
  • Pet dishes, litter boxes, toys, and the like
  • Any day-to-day clutter, like a pile of shoes in the foyer, mail on the counter, or a stack of magazines in the study
  • Out-of-season clothing
  • Seasonal décor
  • Medications and health supplies
  • Political items
  • Sports memorabilia
  • Cash, jewelry, and other valuables

As you clean and declutter, pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Most buyers prioritize cleanliness and open space in these areas and will cast their most critical eye there.

Make Outdoor Areas Shine

Your home’s exterior and outdoor areas make a strong first impression. Schedule a gutter cleaning and power washing if needed to bring out the best in the home, and stay on top of lawn mowing and trimming. If your grass looks dry, dull, or sparse, consult with a lawn specialist. This is also a great time to improve your landscaping by adding shrubs, colorful flowers, or striking plants and repairing any damage to walkways.

Luxury homes often include incredible outdoor amenities, from resort-quality pools to dining areas and more. These should be cleaned with all clutter cleared away to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the property. If your patio furniture is aging, consider buying replacements. New outdoor furniture adds a fresh, up-to-date look and will be taken with you to your next home.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

What will potential buyers feel when they enter your home? It may seem unlikely, but the atmosphere can have an impact just as significant as luxury features, a new roof, and high-end amenities. To emphasize a light, airy space, open windows, turn on the lights, and draw back window treatments. While you don’t want to add clutter after your deep clean, placing attractive plants and fresh flowers can also make a space more inviting.

Sellers should also eliminate any distractions. Turn off the TV and the stereo, send the kids to a loved one’s home, and consider keeping pets out of the house if at all possible. It’s also wise to avoid heavy fragrances to freshen up, as many buyers are sensitive to scents. Finally, steer clear of the latest home décor trends. Since it’s impossible to know if buyers love or hate the newest fads, it’s best to choose timeless looks and classic neutrals that let them focus on the potential in your home – not styles that will soon be dated.

Learn More about Luxury Home Staging

Home staging doesn’t have to be hard when you work with Top Broker Terrie Cox. Terrie uses all of her expertise to help clients bring out the best in their properties and wow potential buyers from listing to showing. To learn more about selling your OR or WA luxury property, contact Terrie Cox, RE/MAX Equity Group today.

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