The Art of Staging a Home for Sale – Tips for Selling Your House When Moving Cross Country
Posted in Moving Tips & Tricks on March 8, 2023
One of the most effective ways to boost your home’s appeal and attract potential buyers is by staging it. By approaching this task with some easy yet effective staging a home for sale tips, you can transform your property into a welcoming and attractive space that potential buyers will love.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time or not, there are numerous tasks to take care of when preparing for a big move. In this blog, we’ll explore the art of home staging and share expert tips to help you create a space that sells. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or a first-time homeowner, our guide will equip you with the tools you need to make your home stand out in the market and secure a great sale price. So let’s dive in and get your home ready for its close-up!
Why Staging a Home for Sale Is Important When Moving Across the Country
Staging your home for sale is crucial when relocating to another state because it can help you sell your property quickly, at a higher price, and make it more memorable to potential buyers. After all, you surely don’t want to be left paying two mortgages or paying rent at your new place while still covering the mortgage for your old home.
While preparing for relocation, this could seem like a task you won’t have enough time to do properly. But don’t worry since there are many things on your to-do list that will help you stage your place. We’ll cover all of those steps of your checklist in the following text.
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If You Don’t Know How or Don’t Have Time to Achieve This, Call Professionals
If you’re not confident in your ability to stage your home for sale or simply don’t have the time to do it yourself, calling in professionals is a great option. Professionals have the expertise and all the tips for staging a house to transform your property into an attractive and welcoming space that appeals to potential buyers.
They can assess your home’s strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations on how to improve its appeal. They’ll also have access to a wide range of decor, furniture, and accessories to help bring your home to life and make it stand out in the market.
Turn to professionals if you need some extra help
Declutter and Clean for Packing, but Also for Staging a House for Sale
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, decluttering and move-out cleaning are steps you shouldn’t avoid. Not only do these tasks help you pack and move efficiently, but they also play a critical role in staging your home to appeal to potential buyers.
Decluttering helps create a sense of space and allows buyers to visualize themselves living in your home. Getting rid of items, personal mementos, and knick-knacks can also help depersonalize your space, making it easier for buyers to imagine their own belongings in the home.
A clean home looks and smells welcoming, and it can create a positive first impression for potential buyers. A thorough cleaning can also help highlight your home’s best features, such as beautiful flooring, fixtures, and appliances.
Tips for Decluttering and Cleaning When Long-Distance Moving
One of the biggest relocation mistakes is actually not decluttering before the moving day. This step is inevitable if you want a stress-free relocation. So, start early and create a schedule that outlines which areas of your home you will tackle each day.
Use the “Three Box” relocation tip and label three boxes as “keep,” “donate/sell,” and “throw away.” As you go through each room, sort items into the appropriate box. However, you need to be ruthless – if you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s likely that you don’t need it. Be honest with yourself and let go of items that are no longer useful or meaningful.
For more tips on how to declutter like a real pro, make sure you check out the video below.
How to Stage a House for Sale? Neutralize the Decor Wherever Possible
By removing personalized items, using neutral colors, adding pops of color with accessories, creating a cohesive style, and minimizing clutter, you can create a space that is appealing to potential buyers and allows them to imagine themselves living in the space.
After you book professional cross-country moving services, ensure you organize the relocation properly in order to stage the property accordingly. This means you need to decide what to keep and what to remove. As already mentioned earlier, personalized items such as family photos and items with personal meanings are definitely things to go. This will help potential buyers focus on the house itself rather than the current owner’s personal style.
Go with as minimal decor as possible
Stage Your Home to Sell by Highlighting Its Best Features
With your home’s unique and desirable qualities, make it stand out from the competition. So, focus on key rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most important rooms to potential buyers. Make sure they are clean and organized and highlight any unique features, such as granite countertops or a clawfoot tub.
Also, don’t forget the importance of storage space. Ample storage is always a selling point. Make sure to declutter and organize closets, cabinets, and shelves to show off the available storage space.
If Your House Has Plenty of Light, Emphasize That
Natural light is a highly desirable feature in any home. Make sure to open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Clean, sparkling windows allow more natural light to enter your home. Make sure to clean your windows inside and out to maximize the amount of light coming in.
50% of buyers found the home they purchased online
Heavy drapes or curtains can block natural light from entering your home. Consider removing them or replacing them with light, sheer curtains that allow light to pass through. Last but not least, use the power of mirrors – Mirrors reflect light and can help brighten up a space. Place mirrors strategically in areas where they can reflect natural light, such as opposite windows or in dark corners.
Staging Tips for Selling Your Home Also Include Taking Care of the Yard
If you have an outdoor area, make sure to show it off. A well-designed outdoor space can add valuable square footage and make your home feel more spacious. Negotiating a house price will have a lot to do with how your yard looks, so ensure it’s all tied up.
Take care of the outdoor space too
How to Stage a Home for Sale and Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Staging your home can make it more memorable to potential buyers, even if they’re viewing it online from across the country. In today’s digital age, most home buyers start their search online (according to the National Association of Realtors, 99% of potential home buyers search online for their home).
99% of millennial home buyers search for homes online
By creating a welcoming and attractive space that looks great in photos, you can draw more attention to your property and increase the chances of a successful sale.
Depersonalize It
When you decide it’s time to move, you will need to depersonalize the place before showing it to potential buyers. If you consider hiring long-distance movers, we at Cross Country Movers can provide packing assistance and transport your personal items to your new home, making it easier to keep them out of sight during the selling process.
Rearrange the Furniture
An open floor plan feels inviting and functional, so it’s good to use furniture to create flow. Arrange your furniture in a way that maximizes flow and makes the most of the available space. Create conversation areas and remove any furniture that makes the room feel crowded.
Make the Necessary Repairs
Making any necessary repairs won’t only help your home look its best but also shows potential buyers that the property has been well-maintained. So, walk through your home and make a list of any repairs that need to be made. This could include fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in walls, or repairing broken tiles.
Once you have a list of repairs, prioritize them based on what needs to be done first. Focus on repairs that are essential to the safety and functionality of your home. For simpler repairs, such as painting or patching drywall, you can save money by doing it yourself. But, for complex or dangerous repairs, such as electrical or plumbing issues, it’s best to hire a professional.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point is a key feature or area in a room that draws the eye and creates a sense of interest and drama. Look for a feature in the room that stands out, such as a fireplace, a large window, or a piece of artwork. This will be the basis of your focal point.
What’s the Cost of Staging a Home for Sale? Pricing and Marketing Staging Tips to Sell Your Home
The cost of staging a home for sale can vary depending on the extent of the staging needed. Consider DIY staging, virtual staging, partial staging, or full home staging, depending on your budget and needs. Use the staged space to create marketing materials that showcase the property.
- DIY staging – If you’re on a budget, consider doing the staging yourself. This can save you money on professional staging fees. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing the space, and add simple touches like fresh flowers and new throw pillows.
- Virtual staging – Virtual staging is a cost-effective alternative to traditional staging. It involves using digital software to add furniture and decor to photos of empty rooms. This can help potential buyers envision the space without the cost of physical staging.
- Partial staging – This involves staging only key rooms or areas in your home, such as the living room, dining room, and master bedroom. This can be a more affordable option than full home staging.
- Full home staging – Full home staging involves staging the entire home, including every room and outdoor space. This can be the most expensive option, but it can also have the biggest impact on potential buyers.
- Marketing staging – Use staging to help market your home. Take professional photos of the staged space to use in your online listing and marketing materials. Use the staged space to create a virtual tour or video to showcase the property.
As you can see, there are enough different staging options to consider, so try to choose the most suitable for your possibilities and needs.
There are more affordable and more costly options
Adding Final Touches When Trying to Stage Your Home to Sell
We all know that adding small details can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive your property. So, why don’t you try adding some greenery, a simple vase of fresh flowers, or a potted plant that can add life and color to a room? Use soft lighting because it can create a warm and inviting atmosphere – adding lamps or dimmer switches to help set the mood.
Consider layering textures, such as adding a throw blanket or decorative pillows, which can also create depth and interest in a room. With artwork, you can add personality and visual interest to a space. Choose pieces that complement the decor and style of the room. And why not set the table? If you have a dining room, consider setting the table with nice dishes and tableware to create an inviting atmosphere.
Adding a bit of color, like a potted plant, can give a room life
Before Staging Your Home for Sale, Get Some Cross Country Moving Services
Staging for sale is only one part of relocating, so you will probably need some help to get everything done efficiently and effectively. One great option is to hire a cross-country moving company that will take care of all the relocation tasks. Professionals like our own Cross Country Movers can help with all aspects of your move, including packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. Contact us, and you can make the most of your move and get your home ready for a successful sale.
FAQ
What Are the Steps Involved in Staging a Home for Sale?
The steps involved in staging a home for sale can vary depending on the property and the seller’s goals but generally include the following: decluttering and depersonalizing, cleaning and repairs, neutralizing the decor, maximizing space, and adding final touches.
How Can Staging a Home Help to Improve Its Sale Prospects?
Staging a home can help to improve its sale prospects by making it more attractive to potential buyers. A well-staged home can help buyers envision themselves living in the space and create a positive emotional connection that can lead to a faster sale and a higher sale price.
What Should I Consider Before Staging My Home for Sale?
First, think about your target buyer and what they might be looking for in a home. Consider the style and condition of your home and whether it appeals to your target buyer. You should also consider the current real estate market in your area and whether staging is necessary to help your home stand out. Additionally, think about your budget and whether you have the resources to hire professionals to help with staging.
Is There Any Difference Between Staging a Home and Decluttering It?
Yes, there is a difference between staging a home and decluttering it. Decluttering involves removing excess items and organizing your belongings to make your home more functional. Staging, on the other hand, involves creating an inviting and attractive atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers.
What Are the Benefits of Using Professional Stagers When Selling a Home?
Professional stagers have the expertise and experience to create a visually appealing and attractive space that can help increase the home’s sale prospects. They know how to highlight the home’s best features and create a sense of move-in readiness that can appeal to potential buyers.
How Can I Make My Home Look More Attractive to Potential Buyers?
Focus on decluttering and depersonalizing your space to create a clean and neutral canvas that buyers can envision as their own. Next, consider making any necessary repairs and deep cleaning the home to make it appear well-maintained and move-in ready.
What Type of Furniture and Decorations Should Be Removed Before Staging a Home?
Here are some items that should be removed:
- Excess furniture – Remove any furniture that is not necessary or makes the space feel cramped. This could include extra chairs, side tables, or oversized pieces.
- Personal items – Create a neutral canvas that potential buyers can envision as their own by taking your personal objects away, whether they are fragile items or any other stuff.
- Bold or distracting decor – Get rid of any decor that is too bold or distracting, such as brightly colored artwork or busy patterned curtains. This can help create a more cohesive and visually appealing space.
- Outdated or worn-out items – Remove any items that are outdated or worn-out, such as old curtains or a stained sofa. These items can make the space look less appealing and detract from its potential.
How Can I Keep Staging Costs Low While Still Making a Good Impression?
There are several ways to keep staging costs low while still making a good impression on potential buyers. Here are some tips:
- DIY staging,
- Virtual staging,
- Partial staging.
Are Major Repairs or Renovations Necessary Before Staging My Home?
Major repairs or renovations may not always be necessary before staging your home, but it’s important to ensure that your home is in good condition and that any necessary repairs are completed.
Can I Make My Home More Appealing Without Spending a Lot of Money?
Yes, it’s possible to make your home more appealing without spending a lot of money. You can declutter and clean the place on your own, replace outdated or dim lighting fixtures, and rearrange the furniture.
How Should I Arrange Furniture and Decorations for Maximum Appeal?
Create a focal point and choose a key feature in each room and arrange furniture and decor to highlight it. This could be a fireplace, a view, or a piece of artwork. Then maximize the space by removing excess furniture and decor to create a sense of openness and flow.
