Anyone who is looking to sell their home fast and for top dollar should consider the benefits of home staging. The following article will give you the rundown on this valuable selling strategy.

Home staging is the art of displaying your home so that it will attract buyers. The idea is to highlight the property’s positive features by utilizing furniture and decorations; keeping it easy on the eyes so that buyers are able to visualize your property as their new home. Staging will make the home stand out from competition and increase the number of quality offers you receive. Buyers are often influenced by their emotions, they want to feel comfortable and at ease when choosing a home. A properly staged home will draw attention to the good qualities and will minimize imperfections. The goal is to create a soothing environment so that buyers will be able to imagine that they already live there.

Staged homes start from the outside. Curb appeal is essential because it’s the first thing they see, the first opportunity to make an impression. The grass and bushes must be neat and trimmed. Sidewalk, driveway and roof should be free of leaves, dirt and mildew. Windows gutters and decks should be washed.

The inside of a property should be transformed from a personalized home to one that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. If you are still living in the house then de-cluttering is a must. A staged home draws attention to the features of a home rather than all of your stuff; it’s hard for a potential buyer to see themselves living in the house when pictures of your kids are all over. The video below, by the Home Staging Channel, demonstrates this principle by staging a master bedroom.

Arranging furniture and décor to create a flow of traffic is key; you want to guide buyers through the house. Simple decorations such as plants, drapes, pillows and throws are great accessories. Lighting makes a big difference as well; keeping windows open and lights on makes the home feel more spacious and vibrant. Neutral paint and carpet colors are always preferred; it might be worth your time to paint over that hot pink your daughter just had to have in her room.

Most home stagers will provide you with a free consultation, the cost of their services varies a lot based on the size of your house and how upscale things need to be. The Stager will come in and do a walkthrough, room by room taking notes of what needs to be done to showcase the home. The Stager should be able to utilize some of your furniture to save money.

Recent statistics gathered by Stagedhomes.com show that 94 percent of homes staged by an Accredited Staging Professional sold in 29 days or less compared to an average of 145 days for homes that were not staged. Although it may sound like staging is an unnecessary expense, the statistics don’t lie, those who stage get offers.

Now that you understand the benefits of staging your house as well as what the process consists of, if it seems like doing any of this would require too much time, money or energy please give us a call, we would be happy to discuss your current situation and help you develop a plan to get your house sold now.