5 home staging tips for agents to use
Staging a home is likely to be even more important than in the past. As Buyers begin to regain confidence in the market and get back to work, they may have higher expectations in the homes they look at. It’s up to real estate agents to stage homes to meet these expectations. As things begin to return to a semblance of normal, consider these home staging tips.
Keep decor neutral in general
A tried and true strategy, neutral decor lets Buyers project what they want onto the home. Earth tones and simple (but not necessarily cheap or generic) furniture can act like a blank canvas for Buyers. It also sidesteps the issue of overwhelming Buyers. It’s much easier for a Buyer to change neutral decor to something bolder than it is to convert one kind of bold to a different kind of bold.
A specific piece of decor to avoid is a bright accent wall. Though Buyers have shown a preference for pops of color, they don’t necessarily want those colors dictated to them. A bright accent wall could be intimidating to Buyers who may not want to have to paint over it right as they move in.
Complement neutral with unique
Though it’s smart to keep the general theme of the house neutral, that doesn’t mean be bland. Buyers, especially millennials, look for aspects of a home that reflect their own personal character. So, if there’s something unique that stands out in the house, flaunt it. It could be something as ornate as a crystal chandelier or as relatively simple as a bay window.
Focus on the yard
You know how important curb appeal is. But did you know that one of the biggest draws of home ownership for the new generation of Buyers is the yard itself? Even if it’s a small yard, be sure that it’s as green and tidy as possible. Younger Buyers want a place there they can run around with their pets, family members and friends. An overgrown or poorly maintained yard can be a non-starter for these Buyers.
To go the extra mile, suggest that Sellers prune any bushes or trees. You might also suggest tastefully neutral flower pots with bold, bright flowers like pansies to place on the front porch. These are relatively inexpensive and simple ways to add a flourish to the front yard that can catch a Buyer’s eye.
Create openness as much as possible
Open floor plans are incredibly popular with millennials, who make up the largest share of the buying market. Part of the reason for this is their desire for connectedness and fluidity. Younger Buyers love multi-purpose rooms that flow into one another. They want space where they can work, entertain and raise a family all in one.
If it’s not possible to convert the home to an open floor plan, you’ll want to guide Buyers toward open spaces in and around the home. Place furniture strategically to give Buyers plenty of room to move within the space.
Consider a home warranty
A home warranty is a subtle aspect of staging a home, but it’s one you shouldn’t overlook. It’s one thing for a house to look good. It’s another for it to work properly. A home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) can protect Sellers from breakdowns to systems and appliances while their home is on the market. It’s also complimentary where allowed by law ($60 in Florida).
Additionally, Buyers are becoming more attracted to move-in-ready homes. A home warranty can keep those homes move-in ready by covering the costs of expensive repairs. Finally, all Buyers look for affordability in their homes, especially younger Buyers. A home warranty is a way to keep the cost of home ownership more affordable.
2-10 HBW offers comprehensive systems and appliances home warranties to help protect your clients from unexpected repair and replacement costs. Contact us to learn more.
