Home staging is the process of increasing the attractiveness of housing on the market with little investment. In this article, we will tell you how to turn an illiquid property into a relevant and in-demand one using simple techniques.
Home Staging Depending on the Season
Selling real estate is a process in which every detail is essential. One of the key tools for attracting buyers is staging, which involves preparing the house for showings and photo shoots. But it is not enough to simply tidy up or rearrange the furniture: competent realtors and designers even take the season into account, because the perception of space largely depends on the time of year.
Winter Staging: Light and Festivity
For homes listed during winter, carefully placed holiday lighting can accentuate architectural features and create an inviting holiday ambience — just keep it tasteful and restrained to maintain broad appeal. You can use the Christmas light installation company in Homer Glen IL, if you want a professional decoration. In winter, the main task is to make the house bright and welcoming. Short daylight hours require an emphasis on artificial lighting: floor lamps, sconces, and candles will help to create
Spring Staging: Freshness and Renewal
Spring is the time when people expect changes, and this atmosphere should be felt in the interior. In the house, it is worth emphasizing lightness and airiness: remove heavy curtains, let in as much light as possible, and put fresh flowers or greenery. Soft pastel shades in textiles and decor will create a sense of coziness and freshness simultaneously.
Pay special attention to smells: freshly cut tulips or a light aroma of citrus make the space more attractive. In photographs, a spring house should look as if it is easy to breathe in and you want to stay in it.
Summer Staging: Brightness and Space
Summer is associated with relaxation and freedom. To convey this mood, it is essential to emphasize space and lightness. A good move is to open the windows and doors, showcase the terrace or balcony, and add bright accents, such as pillows, dishes, and accessories in cheerful colors.
If the house has a garden or yard, tidy it up: a well-groomed lawn, sun loungers, or a table with summer decor can play a decisive role. It is crucial that the future buyer immediately imagines how he will spend warm evenings here.
Autumn Staging: Coziness and Warmth
Autumn is the time when people seek coziness and protection from foul weather. In the interior, this can be emphasized with soft blankets, pillows, warm light of lamps, and candles. Natural shades work great: terracotta, olive, deep yellow.
Don't forget about the kitchen: in autumn, coziness is associated with pastries and hot drinks. A cup of coffee or a basket of apples on the table creates a feeling of home warmth.
General Recommendations
Of course, regardless of the season, there are general recommendations. They will help make your home as attractive as possible.
Remove Visual Noise
One of the easiest ways to increase the attractiveness of your home is to remove clutter. Before posting an ad for sale or renting out an apartment, analyze whether it is too cluttered with furniture and piled high with things.
It is better to take non-functional furniture to the dacha, garage, or sell it on Avito — this will make the home seem more spacious. As for personal belongings, they should be put away in closed storage systems: clear the windowsill, clear the work surface in the kitchen. The fewer little things, the cleaner the apartment will look — even detergents and sponges around the sink create visual noise.
Do a General Cleaning
General cleaning is a mandatory step. It is unlikely that anyone will be interested in an apartment with cobwebs in the corners, dirty windows, and greasy stains on the apron.
Even old furniture and repairs should look neat and not scream about the sloppiness of the owners. Also, before viewing the apartment, it is necessary to air it out — the smells of cooking or cigarette smoke can scare off a buyer or tenant.
Repaint the Walls
Bright, flashy colors attract a minimal number of people; more often than not, it is an irritating factor. Moreover, they can distort the geometry of the space.
To visually increase the footage and "raise" the ceiling, it is better to repaint the walls in light shades.
Update the Plumbing
A rusty faucet or a leaking riser will not add attractiveness to the apartment. External problems with plumbing can signal the presence of more serious issues, but not every buyer will want to deal with them. The mixers must be in good working order, and the pressure must be strong. Add decor
Unobtrusive decor can work to the seller's advantage. Inexpensive posters, a blanket, and decorative pillows will make the apartment cozier.
These elements mustn't be personalized — for example, it is better to hide fridge magnets or souvenirs from personal trips, as they will only emphasize that someone has already settled in the apartment.
Work on the Lighting
Well-thought-out lighting will also create a good impression. First, you need to make sure that all the bulbs work. Then you can think about buying a new chandelier or, for example, replacing the lampshades.
Of course, you will not be able to completely change the lighting scenarios quickly: this is a relatively expensive undertaking, but you will not need to cut grooves in the walls for a floor lamp or table lamp.
Disguise Defects
Minor defects can also spoil the first impression. It is better to disguise them so that they are not conspicuous: burnt laminate can be painted over with a special marker, a crack in the wall can be plastered over, chips in furniture can be repaired with acrylic putty or furniture wax.
Conclusion
It is worth understanding that home staging is not a panacea. No specialist can guarantee that a buyer will be found quickly for a specific property. But a home stager will definitely help increase the flow of potential clients and increase the attractiveness of the property in their eyes.