Whether the real estate market is up or down in your area, I believe that home staging before you list your home, will increase the likelihood that you will sell for more money in less time. I’ve witnessed potential Buyers walk away from a home that they might have offered on because they couldn’t see past the clutter and the way it made them feel – anxious and uncomfortable. Definitely not the vibe you want to project when selling your home! So even in a busy market, don’t just throw your home on the market – take the time to make it look as presentable as possible - which will increase the likelihood of multiple Offers.  Most Buyers tell their Realtors what houses they want to go see based on the pictures they liked on MLS or Realtor.ca etc. With a bit of elbow work and determination, you can have your home looking instgrammable!

Here's what top home staging professionals say are their Best Tips to get you more money:

1. Curb Appeal

First impressions count! If Buyers drive by or don’t like the outside pictures they see online, then they won’t book an appointment to see your home. Dress the outside up with seasonal décor items, change the outdoor light fixture, install new door handles/hardware, rake your leaves, in winter keep your sidewalk and driveway clear of snow and ice and you’ll project the impression of a well-maintained home before they’ve set foot in the door!

2. Declutter

It’s never to early to get a head start on packing. Decide what you want to keep, give away or recycle. Less is more in home staging as you want Buyers to be able to picture themselves in your home and not feel cramped or crowded as they walk through it. If you really need to, rent a storage unit or have a mobile unit brought to your home that you can fill up and have taken to their storage facility.

3. Clean and Fix

A clean, well-maintained home says. “We’re house proud!” Your home needs to sparkle and shine especially in the entrance, kitchen and bath. Clean your carpet and appliances. Remove the cobwebs around the light fixtures and ceilings, wipe down your baseboards and light switch covers. Fix the visible things that you meant to get around to like the closet door that’s off its track, loose kitchen cupboard handles, burnt out light bulbs, chipped tiles – you get the picture. When your home is well cared for, you will attract multiple Buyers!

4. Make each Room have a Purpose:

Don’t confuse Buyers by having your rooms serve multiple purposes. Your family room should be just that and staged like a relaxing space not a playroom or workout room and the same with the other spaces in your home. Do highlight the obvious use for a particular room, so that potential Buyers don’t have to guess its purpose.

Even in a busy market, don’t just throw your home on the market – take the time to make it look as presentable as possible - which will increase the likelihood of multiple Offers and less time on the market. As your Niagara real estate connection, the Heritage Team, is always ready to provide suggestions on how to improve your home's value - message us for a complimentary home evaluation plus staging consultation and before you know it - you'll be moving!