Insider Home Staging Tips From a Former Realtor

By Alex Devonish


Staging your home for sale can make a huge difference, both in the price you ultimately receive for your home and in finding the right buyers more quickly.

Staging your house means setting it up to show in the best light possible, before you put your home on the market. One thing to remember is that the way you've lived in your home is not necessarily the same way you want it to show to prospective buyers. Buyers are not interested in your hobbies, your kids' toys, nor your eccentric (but appealing to you) color schemes. Buyers want to see neutral decor, a welcoming atmosphere and a clean, problem-free house they can picture calling home. If the buyer's Realtor has done their job, they will be bringing only qualified buyers (who are pre-approved for an appropriate mortgage, want the number of bedrooms and neighborhood you live in, etc.), and thus your job is to make your home stand out in the buyers' eyes as the one to go for.

There are many ways to accomplish this, and in truth many Realtors don't always bring the right buyers to the right houses, so you are looking to make a great impression on that perfect-for-your-home purchaser when they walk in your door. Here are a couple of tips:

Paint: Make sure everything is neutral. As much as it may pain you, those coral walls you love will not appeal to the majority of buyers, and investing a weekend and some money into some paint will pay off, big time (or hire a painter). Choose neutral colors such as stone, grey or a warm off-white - never stark white as that creates too sterile of an atmosphere. Check existing paint on the exterior and interior, ensuring it is not peeling or in need of a touch-up, and also check all walls and doors, paying special attention to areas where hands have been touching such as near light switches and door handles. Clean as necessary - it only takes a wipe with some cleaner.

Focal Points: Every home has good points and bad points, and as the current resident you know them best. Ensure your visitors are drawn to the best features of your home by making them focal points. For instance, if you have a beautiful bay window, keep it clear of curtains and furniture so it can be in full view when the buyers walk in. Be sure the window panes are sparkling clean, add a touch of warm light with a lamp nearby (for the view from the outside), and make the outside view as pleasant as possible by keeping your yard clean and possibly adding a plant or two within view.

Find many more tips for staging your home for sale at HomeResource.ca.
Alex Devonish writes about strategic thinking chess ideas and more for niche clients.