Whipping your place into its most marketable shape might land you a buyer with a dream offer. And it might all spring from a terrific open house. Realtor.com asked agents and home staging experts for their secret staging hacks. Here are 9 ways that have a great impact for minimal effort or money.
Strip the windows – Light and bright is what sells, so pack away your curtains. You should also pull the blinds all the way up because leaving them down can reduce light. Also, make sure your windows are sparkling clean; they let it more light and just look nicer, too.
White out the bathrooms – Just as hotels use white items to reinforce the idea that they’re clean, white in the bathroom make things look new and fresh. Even if you can’t replace cabinets or countertops, at least purchase fresh white towels and add a white shower curtain, white soap dish and even a new white bathmat.
Update kitchen features – You don’t need to replace the countertops or even paint to give your kitchen an update. The solution is simpler and cheaper. Replacing an old light fixture with a new modern one can do a lot to improve the look of your kitchen. If your drawer pulls and cabinet knobs look dated, swap them out for the style and finish that’s most sought after in your area, whether that’s brushed nickel or polished brass.
Flip every switch – Lighting up the house by turning on every lamp and every overhead light will make prospective buyers confident that you have nothing to hide. Remember, you’re not trying to create an atmosphere like a dinner party, you are showcasing a product for sale. Another tip is to put an inexpensive floor lamp facing the ceiling to make a room look bigger and brighter.
Replace wall art with mirrors – Whether your walls feature fine art or family photos, swap those personal pieces out for a large mirror on one or two key walls. Mirrors have the advantage of maximizing light to make rooms look bigger and brighter. If you have a nice backyard, try placing a mirror on a wall across from the window that looks out to the yard, so the greenery will be reflected and visible from multiple angles in the room.
Roll up rugs – Hardwood floors are a major selling point for most buyers, and a rug that’s even slightly stained or tattered is a turn-off. So don’t hide wood floors, unless they’re a mess or your rugs are classic and pristine. Always remove area rugs from your kitchen, because the room will feel more spacious and cleaner without them.
Swap out lampshades – To make a room look more light, clean and modern, replace any old lampshades for new white drum shades, which are cheap and readily available at places like Target or Ikea.
Set the table – Elaborate table settings can have an overly staged look, but if your dining room table has seen better days or the room could use some livening up, set the table with modern place settings. Go for modern white plates, sleek stainless steel cutlery, and stemless wine glasses atop neutral-hued place mats or a tablecloth. If the room could use a touch of color, add vibrant napkins.
Add a metallic accent – Making a room look more luxurious and contemporary is as easy as adding a metallic accessory or two, like a silver throw pillow, a bronze side table or copper tray. Metallics add visual appeal, but they are less controversial than color.
