With Boston being one of the most competitive housing markets in America, staging is crucial in selling a home. Proper staging attracts more buyers to your listing and can be the difference in a buyer making an offer on your home instead of other homes on the market; it can help your home sell faster and for more money. Here are some tips on how to avoid common staging mistakes:
1. No Plan in Place. Not having a plan in place can be a timely and costly mistake. Planning is important; do not launch your home on the market before it is ready to show.
2. Not Taking Professional Photos. Professional photos are critical in attracting potential buyers in for a tour of the home. In nearly all cases, the pictures will be buyers' first impressions of your home! Different angles, lighting exposure and picture selection are all key to an abundance of foot traffic, and generally speaking, greater foot traffic means a stronger price.
3. Not Removing Dated Furniture/Decor. Outdated furniture, old/ripped wallpaper and 1970’s decor will not help sell your home or attract potential buyers. In fact, it could drive them away. Additionally, dust and odors from old pieces can negatively impact buyers' impressions.
4. No Curb Appeal. Your home's exterior/curb appeal is important in pulling in potential buyers. For would-be buyers, their tour experience starts as they are arriving at your home. Cutting the lawn, weeding, raking the leaves and adding vegetation such as flowers or shrubs will create an attractive exterior that can help the image of your home. Even in the city, curb appeal is important - while there may not be grass to mow, it is important to ensure the building entrance looks sharp and common area clutter is removed .
5. Not Doing the Little Improvements. Touch-up paint, replacing light bulbs and patching small holes in the wall from old pictures are all small improvements, and buyers will frequently notice if these little things are NOT done. Completing these minor improvements shows buyers that the home is well cared for.
Thinking about selling your home? Contact us to schedule a consultation, and feel free to use our INSTANT automated home valuation tool to get a quick initial idea of your home's current value!