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We are doing more and more of our shopping on the web, and that habit extends to house hunting. While your home may have all the trendy updates, it’s important that it makes a great first impression on potential buyers with proper staging from the get-go because real estate websites and apps rely heavily on pictures. Fortunately, Aerial Photo Platform Productions has advice to help you present your home in the best possible light to busters. Follow these steps to learn more about what the staging process entails.
Step 1: Kick the Clutter to the Curb
You might not literally dump your clutter on the curb, but you definitely need to deal with it. In this case, clutter is anything in your home that will distract potential buyers when they are trying to envision living there. It’s extra chairs, seldom-used kitchen gadgets, surplus toys, and other possible distractions. Eliminating this clutter may seem overwhelming and you may wonder where to start. More Than Organized suggests starting with the obvious areas first, and then tackling sections one at a time to declutter quickly. And instead of tossing out everything you don’t want, consider giving these items to a friend or donating clothing and other practical items to charity.
If you have a home office, make sure this area is well-organized and receives plenty of light. Home offices are big for buyers right now, so help potential buyers to envision themselves working in your space. Eliminate obvious clutter like used envelopes and expired coupons so you can feature ergonomic furniture and key organizational pieces.
While you’re in the kitchen, Stylist notes that there are some other items you can throw out or donate. These include refrigerator magnets, extra plastic storage containers, and appliances you’ve only used once. In the pantry, you can make your own labels to help keep things organized. The bathroom is another room that can accumulate ample clutter. When you’re cleaning up that room though, bear in mind that there are specific procedures for dealing with expired or unused medication.
Concerning cleanliness in the kitchen, another feature to consider adding is a range hood. Cooking on a stove top generates a lot of oils and particles that end up in the air, and a range hood can help limit the mess they create by pulling the air up and off of your range. Adding one to your kitchen can make it more desirable to potential buyers.
This probably sounds like a lot of work—because it is! However, before you enlist professional help, get your whole family involved. If you’d like, use this opportunity to introduce your children to an allowance. Not only will doing so give you kids incentive to help out during the decluttering process, but it can also help teach them all about responsibility.
Step 2: Take Yourself Out of the Equation
Real estate experts know that while depersonalizing your home might be an emotional experience for you, it will make your potential buyers feel welcome. Buying a home can be more of an emotional experience than a rational one, and buyers struggle to imagine themselves in the home if the home isn’t properly depersonalized.
This can seem illogical, but while buyers are aware that the house is occupied, it’s still easier for them to see the house’s potential when it’s a neutral space. Some of the personal items you’ll need to remove are photo collections, record collections, and framed awards. You should also switch out bright wall colors for more neutral ones that buyers will find easy to work with.
Finally, any vehicles you own, including smaller ones like motorcycles, should be hidden away to prevent the buyers from being distracted from viewing the home. If you don't have room in your garage, a vehicle cover can do the job just as well.
Step 3: Stage It and Show It Off
Well-thought-out staging will include not only the interior, but the exterior of the house as well. The house should be cleaned thoroughly, and you should ensure that rugs or carpets are deep cleaned. You can balance the neutral look with the comfort of a lived-in vibe by setting the dining table and opening up your organized closets.
A fresh coat of paint on some or all of the interior walls will go a long way in creating a “newness” factor during an open house. Color choices are important, as the right color scheme can make spaces more open and inviting. If some added flair is needed to spruce up the walls, consider hanging up wallpaper, which is an excellent option that gives you many choices when it comes to color, fabric, texture, design, and patterns.
Alternatively, you can opt for virtual staging services provided by Aerial Photo Platform Productions, which can help you transform the look and feel of your home without having to spend a lot of money to do so. Click this link to learn more.
On the outside, you should mow the lawn and create flower beds for increased curb appeal. If you can’t paint the exterior, consider having it power washed. You may also want to update your outdoor lighting fixtures, because curb appeal is one of the best ways to increase your home’s appraisal value. Plus, the outside of your home will be a potential buyer’s first impression.
Once the house is ready, you can take photos. If you’re comfortable around a camera, you can DIY photos for your listing; but otherwise, it’s advisable to hire a professional.
Home staging can feel tricky, but you can do it! Declutter, depersonalize, and then stage away! With your hard work, the house will be sold in no time.
For all your residential photography needs, visit Aerial Photo Platform Productions today!
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