If you are planning to put your house on the market, it goes without saying that you are hoping for a quick sale and a strong offer.  No one enjoys the inconvenience of getting kicked out of their home at a moment’s notice for countless showings.  Realtors understand that a well-staged home has a much better chance of selling faster and for a higher price.  Therefore, set the stage for success with these great tips for styling and staging your home. 

Boost Curb Appeal

Many people focus on getting the inside of their home in tip-top shape for potential buyers but it is equally important to focus on the exterior of the home as well.  Many buyers who are considered touring your home will do a quick drive-by first oftentimes deciding on the spot whether or not it’s worth it to take a look inside.  Make sure the outside of your home appeals to buyers by mowing the lawn, mulching the garden, planting fresh flowers, power washing walkways, cleaning windows, updating porch lights, and adding a few finishing touches to the front porch such as a door wreath or decorative planters. 

Clear Out the Clutter

Most realtors will tell you that the first step in staging your home is getting rid of the clutter.  It’s not easy and it might even require utilizing portable or offsite storage, but the results will be well worth the effort.  Make sure all counter surfaces are cleared off.  Clear out closets, attic space, the garage, and any other storage areas.  Keep the décor in the home simple and pack up extra knick-knacks or personal items. 

Give it a Good Clean

Sometimes the best way to stage your home is to clean it from top to bottom.  This doesn’t mean the kind of clean where you walk through the rooms and pick up anything on the floor.  This means the kind of clean that involves scrubbing floors, baseboards, cabinets, carpets, windows, ceiling fans, bathrooms, and literally every crevice in the home.  A clean home tells buyers that the home has been well cared for and it feels inviting.  Realtors might even suggest hiring professionals to help you get the job done right. 

Rearrange the Furniture

Appeal to everyone with symmetrical furniture arrangements that invite cozy conversations. Realtors will usually encourage you to pull furniture off the walls and use pairs (of chairs, sofas, or lamps) to create seating areas.  They might even recommend that you move some unnecessary pieces or bulky furniture out of the home while it’s on the market.  In these cases, portable storage can really come in handy so you can easily store excess furniture. 

Style with Accent Pieces

Sure, the first step in staging your home involved eliminating the clutter, but it’s important that your home strike that perfect balance between clean and lived-in.  That’s where your realtor’s suggestions can really come in handy.  They should strategically place rugs throughout the home to brighten up the space and add warmth.  Instead of leaving tables bare and uninviting, style them up with some lovely dishes, a nice vase, or a basket filled with fruit.  Add some fresh flowers on the kitchen counter, place a few toss pillows on the couch, and hang a few nice pictures to add color to the walls.  These simple touches can make all the difference and can really welcome potential buyers into your home.