15 Ways To Make A Better First Impression
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. Proper staging can highlight your home’s strengths, minimize its flaws, and appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Here are 15 essential tips to help your home stand out and sell quickly.
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions start at the curb. Clean the exterior with a pressure washer, paint the front door, and update house numbers, lighting, and the mailbox. Fresh mulch, seasonal plants, and trimmed shrubs can make your landscaping pop. Even during colder months, decorate with evergreen planters to maintain a welcoming feel.
Kitchen Facelift
Kitchens can make or break a sale. Clear countertops of clutter, pack away small appliances, and update cabinet hardware. A fresh coat of paint or peel-and-stick tiles can revamp your space without breaking the bank.
Declutter and Pare Down Furniture
Too much furniture can make a room feel cramped. Remove excess pieces so rooms feel spacious and buyers can easily move around. Clear tabletops and remove piles of pillows to create a cleaner, more inviting space.
Rearrange Furniture
Rather than pushing all the furniture against the walls, consider floating pieces in cozy conversational groups. This opens up the room and makes it feel larger while creating a natural flow for potential buyers.
Create Functional Office Space
With more people working from home, dedicating a space to a home office can be a selling point. If a full room isn’t possible, set up a small workspace in a nook or corner.
Depersonalize
Buyers want to envision themselves in the home, so remove personal items like family photos, diplomas, and kids’ artwork. Replace them with neutral artwork to help potential buyers feel more connected to the space.
Showcase Storage
Declutter your closets and cabinets to show off storage potential. Use matching baskets and organizers to make storage spaces look neat and functional.
Make Bathrooms Sparkle
A clean bathroom is a must. Scrub thoroughly, replace shower curtains, rugs, and towels, and update fixtures if needed. If grout is discolored, refresh it, and recaulk areas that show wear.
Fill Your Home With Pleasant Scents
Create a welcoming atmosphere with subtle, pleasant aromas. Use diffusers, candles, or fresh flowers to remove any lingering odors and make a great first impression.
Enhance Lighting
Bright, well-lit rooms are key to making a home feel inviting. Add extra lamps if necessary, and ensure each room has a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Remove Signs of Pets
While we love our pets, not everyone shares the sentiment. Deep clean pet areas, remove any pet-related items during showings, and ensure your home is free of any odors.
Add a Pop of Color
Neutral colors are ideal for staging, but don’t be afraid to use bold accent colors in small spaces or to highlight architectural features. An accent wall or colorful accessories can bring a room to life.
Create Luxurious Bedrooms
Make bedrooms feel like a retreat by using soft bedding, fluffy pillows, and neutral tones. Keep nightstands clear and create a serene environment with simple, tasteful décor.
Accessorize in Threes
When accessorizing, follow the rule of threes. Group items by size, color, or texture, and create a balanced look that adds personality to the room without overwhelming it.
Maximize Window Space Hang curtains higher than the window frame to create the illusion of height, and use light-colored drapes to make the room appear wider. Ensure natural light flows into every room by keeping windows clean and clear of heavy drapery.