Buying a new home can be a very exciting time. If you're simultaneously trying to sell your current house, however, it can be a bit more stressful. Staging your house, or getting it "show-room ready" as Trulia explains, can help potential bidders feel more at home and help them imagine making it their own living space in the near future. If the house looks just as nice – or even better – in person as it does in the pictures, you may find more people ready to make an offer.
If you're interested in putting your house on the market, complete the following tasks to make it more appealing to interested buyers:
1. Eliminate clutter
Cleaning your house is an important factor in making it attractive, but this goes beyond a general mop, vacuum and dust. Too much clutter can deter buyers away from what's great about your home, making it more difficult to see how much space it has to offer. Reorganize your belongings, and get rid of knick-knacks that are just taking up space.
"Don't forget to clean up these closets."
Don't forget to clean up the closets; shoving clutter here might be your first thought, but people are going to check out the closet space during their tour.
2. Remove bulky furniture
Too many sofas, chairs and tables in the living room takes away from the depth of the living space. Put bulky pieces in storage or pack them away in the basement to showcase how much square footage potential buyers can take advantage of.
3. Emphasize natural lighting
Many benefits come with natural lighting in a home. Not only does it reduce the need to rely on artificial sources – therefore cutting down on energy bills – but it also makes a living area more spacious and inviting. Replace heavy window treatments with lighter, sheer drapery that let the natural light in with ease.
4. Pay attention to detail
The foundation of your home is most important to potential buyers; the floor plan, room size and outdoor space play a vital role in making a bid on a house. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't make an effort decorating and accentuating the home.
An arrangement of throw pillows and blankets on a sofa, for example, makes the family room cozier and inviting. Throw pillows on a bed are a fun way to dress up your bedding without a complete overhaul. An entryway with wall decor gives a space that's often a second thought more personality. Details are essential in taking a living space to the next level. Pillow arrangements can make a sofa more cozy and inviting.
5. Don't forget about the curb appeal
Homebuyers have an idea of what to expect when they look at the pictures of your home, but you want to wow them the second they make it to the driveway. Hire a landscaper or plant flowers to add character to the yard. Decorate the front porch, as well; place outdoor furniture and decorations that make potential buyers feel at home with ease.
Hope these help eliminate some of the stress and often overwhelming task of selling a home.
