Selling a home is no small feat, and when you're in a market as competitive as the Waterloo Region every little edge counts. Here at Team Pinto, we understand that staging a home isn't just about making it look good—it's about creating an environment where potential buyers can visualize themselves living happily.
While it's relatively easy to stage common areas like living rooms and kitchens, there are some parts of a home that present a real challenge when it comes to staging.
Whether it's a small alcove, an unfinished basement, or a peculiarly-shaped room, these hard-to-stage areas can sometimes throw both homeowners and real estate brokers for a loop. But worry not; with a bit of creativity and know-how, you can transform these spaces into attractive features rather than detractions.
This guide will delve into actionable tips to help you stage the trickiest parts of your home to impress even the most discerning buyers.
The Unfinished Basement
Create Defined Zones
An unfinished basement can look like an abandoned space if not staged correctly. One tip to make it more appealing is to define different zones.
Use rugs, furniture, and light fixtures to segment the basement into areas such as a workout zone, storage area, or even a makeshift guest room. This gives potential buyers a clearer vision of how they could utilize the space.
Light it Up
Basements are often dark and gloomy. Adequate lighting can dramatically change the atmosphere. Invest in floor lamps or hang string lights to brighten the area and make it more inviting.
Oddly Shaped Rooms
Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Rooms that are unusually long, narrow, or have irregular shapes can make furniture arrangement a challenge. Opt for multi-functional furniture like a sleeper sofa or an extendable dining table. This allows the room to be versatile, meeting multiple needs at once.
Play with Colour and Patterns
Using colour and patterns wisely can make an oddly-shaped room appear more symmetrical. For instance, painting one wall a darker colour than the others can give the illusion of a more balanced space. Similarly, strategically placed rugs or artwork can draw the eye away from the room's irregularities.
Tiny Alcoves and Nooks
Make it Cozy
Tiny alcoves or nooks in a home are often underutilized. Make these areas cozy by adding a plush chair, a small side table, and a reading lamp. Suddenly, you have a cute reading nook that adds character to your home.
Use it for Storage
Storage is a selling point for many buyers. Install some attractive shelving or a stylish cupboard to turn an unused alcove into a functional storage space.
A Long Hallway
Use Neutral Artwork Instead of a Gallery Wall
While a gallery wall filled with family photographs may seem like a warm touch, and is common in many homes, it can be counterproductive as it may distract potential buyers from visualizing themselves in the space.
Instead, opt for neutral, universally appealing artwork to line the walls of a long hallway. Pieces that echo the color scheme of the rest of the house can be particularly effective in giving a cohesive and attractive look to this often-overlooked space.
By substituting personal photographs with neutral artwork, you allow the prospective buyers to focus on the space itself, while still adding visual interest to an otherwise barren hallway. This tweak ensures that your staging remains inviting but also leaves room for the buyers' imagination—precisely the balance that staging aims to achieve.
Opt for Long Rugs
A long rug can help break up the expanse of a lengthy hallway. Choose a rug with horizontal patterns to widen the look of the corridor and make it appear less tunnel-like.
The Tiny Guest Bathroom
Create an Illusion of Space with Mirrors
One of the most effective ways to make a small space appear larger is through the strategic use of mirrors. Instead of just a small mirror above the sink, consider installing a larger, frameless one that takes up most of the wall. This will reflect light and instantly give the impression of a more spacious bathroom.
Utilize Vertical Storage
In a small bathroom, every inch of space counts. Installing vertical storage units or open shelves can help you utilize the vertical space efficiently. Place essentials like towels and toiletries in stylish containers to keep the area organized while also adding a touch of sophistication.
Keep it Light and Neutral
Dark colors can make an already small space feel cramped. Opt for light, neutral tones for the walls and tiles to open up the space. A monochromatic color scheme can further enhance the sense of roominess.
The Small Outdoor Space
Vertical Gardening
If your outdoor space is limited, make the most of it by gardening vertically. Hanging planters and wall-mounted pots not only save space but also add a splash of color.
Foldable Furniture
For tiny patios or balconies, foldable furniture is a must. This allows the buyers to see how they can maximize the area while still having the option to store the furniture when not needed.
The Awkward Landing Space
Turn it into a Study Nook
Many homes have a landing space at the top of the stairs that goes unused. Consider turning this into a small study nook with a sleek desk and chair. This shows how every part of the home can be useful.
Add a Statement Piece
If the landing space isn't big enough for furniture, a statement piece like an attractive vase or sculpture can work wonders in making the area look intentional rather than neglected.
Staging a home for sale is an art as much as it is a science. While open-concept living spaces and modern kitchens might grab the headlines, the subtler, hard-to-stage areas in your home are equally crucial for securing a successful sale. Implementing these creative and actionable tips can make even the most awkward spaces in your home a selling point rather than a drawback.
For more expert advice tailored to the unique real estate market of the Waterloo Region, don't hesitate to reach out to Team Pinto. We're here to make your home-selling journey as smooth and profitable as possible.