Selling your house is stressful. You are opening the doors to your house and your “stuff” to the public who will walk through and decide if your house is the “one” for them. Once inside, serious buyers will focus on the condition and floor plan of your house. They will also subconsciously notice things that are either going to increase or decrease your house's value. Here are our top tips for elevating your interior to impress buyers:
1. Entryway – This is where the home tour begins. How easy is it for the buyer to get into your house and how comfortable do they feel when they cross the threshold? This is an often overlooked staging opportunity that can signal “Welcome” or “We have no place to take off and store boots, hats, jackets.” We suggest a large entry area rug where they can comfortably make a transition from outside to inside. An added bonus is easy access for shedding outwear and outside shoes.
2. Kitchen countertops – Buyers will scrutinize your countertop space. They are imagining how they are going to roll out dough while baking an apple pie. Try to clear mostly all of these countertops with the exception of a few useful items that do not take up a lot of space.
3. Basement or other storage spaces - While this may not be a typical staging item, your organization skills do make a difference during a house tour. If you can present your “stuff” whether in boxes, piles, shelving, etc. in an orderly manner, this shows the buyer that you have enough space and storage options for their “stuff.”
Once a buyer makes a commitment to set up an appointment and visit the property, these interior items make a big difference in the eyes of the buyer. If you want more insight as to buyer behavior and how to stage your home, contact us to learn more about the listing process and how we can help you sell your home.