‘Staging is preparing a home for sale so the buyer can mentally move in.”
“Depersonalizing a home has now become essential to creating a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.’
Exterior Staging is sometimes forgotten about in the midst of the Interior but is just as important.
The internet has changed the way people buy and sell homes and that has made how a home shows more important than ever.
First impressions have always been important and now with Youtube videos, 3d Videos Internet ads, Facebook, social media and multiple interior photos on websites; a buyer visits your home before stepping through the front door. The impression that those photos make are very important and that comes down to what is broadly known as staging.
The outside of a home greets the Buyer and that is the first impression – Lipstick might be required!.
From cleaning to styling, from fluffing to decluttering, to moving furniture to renting furniture, staging comes in many different forms and levels. Professional stagers and real estate agents can provide you with a number of varied services and advice.
Sometimes it can overwhelm a homeowner when starting the process but some simple points can help de-stress the process.
I am going to mention only 12 points here that have remained true with buyers and sellers through the years.
This is something you always hear but it is amazing how many of us neglect our front entrance. Buyers may do a drive by, you want them to want more.
So, paint or stain the front steps, rail, and porches
Paint the front door a colour that accents the home
Paint or polish the front door hardware.
A planter of flowers or seasonal decoration is always nice.
A new doormat is a must . Replace tired house numbers and mailbox for a quick lift. It all says “welcome home” to a buyer and shows pride of ownership.
It does not have to be elaborate – simple and crisp makes the home look fresh.
If you have a front porch make it into a living space with a couple of comfortable chairs and a small table to put a drink or coffee cup on.
Make sure the front yard is trimmed and mulched as well as weeds pulled. Grass cut and garbage containers neatly stored away from site.
Clean out eaves and get rid of spiderwebs that collect.
Ensure the key fits well and that the door opens easily.
Power wash siding and walkways if weather allows. Power wash walk ways to re fresh them.
There is of course winter which is a whole other matter. Mostly driveways and walkways and the dreaded ice build up.
