Declutter

Getting rid of clutter is the first thing you should do when preparing your home to sell. Few things will turn a buyer away faster than a cluttered, messy home. Potential buyers want storage space, so make the most of yours by removing unused items from closets (store out of season clothing elsewhere for the time being to capitalize on closet space), drawers, and cabinets. Even your garage should be decluttered. A clean, clutter-free home looks bigger and more appealing than one that’s stuffed to the brim with, well, stuff. If space is an issue while decluttering, see if you can stash the items at a friend or family member’s home while your house is on the market, or consider renting a storage unit if you have a lot of items.

Deep Clean
With the clutter gone, it’s time to do a deep cleaning. From the baseboards to the light fixtures, from appliances to the windows, everything should be spotless and gleaming. Make your kitchen and bathroom sparkle, and be sure to close the toilet lid before any showings. If you don’t have time to deep clean your home to perfection, or you simply can’t stand the chore, consider hiring a professional to do the dirty work.

Let There Be Light

Lighting is so important when it comes to staging a home. People love light – especially potential house buyers. The best light is natural light, so make sure you open all the curtains and blinds in every window in your home. For rooms that don’t see enough sunlight, make sure the light fixtures are clean and the bulbs are fresh. Go for traditional white bulbs, which look closer to actual daylight than LED or fluorescents.

Stage the Furniture
When it comes to staging a home, a good rule of thumb is to remove about half your furniture. Doing this will make your home look bigger and more appealing to buyers, but can be tricky for sellers who are still living in the home. If you feel like the furniture you have is lacking appeal, or you’ve already moved your furniture out of the home, you can rent nice, new pieces for the purpose of staging rooms. Once you’ve settled on the furniture, position couches, chairs, and tables away from your walls. This is a design technique called “floating” the furniture. Anchor the space with an area rug, even if the room has wall-to-wall carpet. This creates a cozy, intimate space, ideal for chatting with friends and family.

Add Some Flair
Once you’ve staged your home to your satisfaction, add some finishing touches to give it that extra something special. Buyers love to see fresh flowers in vases, a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter and folded towels in the bathroom. It may not seem like much, but it really does make a difference!

If you have been thinking about selling your home or currently have it on the market, staging your home may help it sell more quickly. If you’re looking to buy a home in an ideal community, look no further than Summer Lake! Summer Lake is the community you’ve been dreaming of in Chesterfield, VA. Visit our website for more information!