Selling your Waterloo Region home is a complex endeavor that goes beyond simply listing your property and waiting for offers. One way to elevate your property's appeal, reduce its time on the market, and potentially increase its value is through effective home staging. Home staging strategically presents your home in the best possible light, emphasizing its strengths and softening its weaknesses.
Here at Team Pinto, a leading real estate brokerage in Waterloo Region, Ontario, we understand the power of good staging. This article breaks down the top 10 areas to focus on when staging your home for sale, providing actionable advice for each section.
The Entryway
The entryway sets the stage for what buyers can expect inside your home, so staging it is extremely important. It should be clean, well-lit, and inviting. Consider a fresh coat of paint on the door for an instant uplift, and invest in a new, elegant doormat.
If space allows, and you do not have a formal mudroom area, place a small console table where one can leave keys, along with a tastefully framed mirror above it, to create a sense of openness. Ensure the area is decluttered, removing any excessive shoe racks, coats, or bags.
The Living Room
The living room often serves as the heart of the home, so aim for a welcoming, comfortable ambiance. Position your furniture to highlight the room's best features, such as a fireplace or a great view.
If your sofas are worn out, consider professional cleaning or investing in neutral-colored slipcovers. Add a few strategically placed throw pillows or blankets for colour. Make sure the room is well-lit; if your existing lighting isn't enough, add floor or table lamps to brighten up dark corners.
The Kitchen
The kitchen, often regarded as the heart of the home, can significantly influence a potential buyer's decision. This space should not only look clean and updated but also inspire thoughts of family meals, entertaining friends, and other pleasant home experiences.
Start by decluttering. Remove any items that don't contribute to the aesthetic appeal or functionality of the kitchen, such as unnecessary small appliances, dishes, magnets on the fridge, or personal items. This decluttering should extend to open shelving and the inside of your cupboards, too. Buyers often peek into these spaces to check the storage potential.
After decluttering, give your kitchen a deep clean. This means scrubbing down appliances, inside and out, cleaning countertops, mopping the floor, and addressing any grease or grime on cabinets and backsplashes. Don't forget to clean inside the oven and refrigerator, as potential buyers often inspect these appliances.
Consider the condition of your appliances, cabinets, and countertops. If they're outdated or in poor condition, you might want to make some upgrades. Stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, and freshly painted cabinets in neutral tones are generally well-received by potential buyers. Even if a full remodel isn't in your budget, small changes like new cabinet hardware or a modern, neutral-colored coat of paint can freshen up the space.
Clear countertops are desirable, but they shouldn't be completely empty. Leave a few tastefully selected items, like a sleek coffee maker, a stand with cooking books, or a bowl of fresh fruit, to make the space feel lived in. Also, ensure that your chosen items match the overall decor of the kitchen.
The lighting in your kitchen also plays a significant role in its appeal. You want to ensure the space is well-lit, which may require more than the standard overhead lighting. If necessary, add under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the countertops.
Lastly, consider the flow of your kitchen. If possible, arrange your furniture and appliances in a way that demonstrates the kitchen's functionality. For instance, stools arranged around a kitchen island can indicate an additional eating area.
When staging your kitchen, aim to create a space where potential buyers can envision themselves cooking, socializing, and creating memories. A well-staged kitchen can make your home more appealing and could potentially increase its overall perceived market value. Remember, the goal is to help prospective buyers see the kitchen not just as a room, but as a lifestyle.
The Dining Room
Present your dining room as a hub for family meals and entertainment. A well-set table with stylish place settings can create a warm, inviting scene. Place a centerpiece on the table - a simple but elegant vase with fresh flowers or a stylish candle arrangement. Ensure your lighting fixture over the table is a showstopper – consider updating it if it's outdated.
The Master Bedroom
The master bedroom should communicate relaxation and serenity. Use a neutral color scheme for a universal appeal, and ensure the room is impeccably clean. Dress the bed with fresh, attractive linens and place a few tasteful throw pillows on it.
Remove any personal photos or items from the nightstands and dressers. If you have an ensuite bathroom, carry the same color scheme and level of cleanliness into that space.
The Bathrooms
A clean, well-staged bathroom can make a strong impression on potential buyers. Bathrooms are more than just utilitarian spaces; they are personal areas where one starts and ends their day. As such, these rooms should communicate cleanliness, tranquility, and a touch of luxury.
Start by deep cleaning the entire bathroom. This includes scrubbing tiles, polishing fixtures, cleaning the grout, and making sure the shower, bathtub, and toilet sparkle. If your grout is stained or moldy, consider re-grouting to make your tiles look fresh and clean. Similarly, any old or discolored sealant around the bath or basin should be replaced.
Decluttering is the next step. Remove all personal items, such as toothbrushes, toiletries, and bathrobes. Clear the countertops completely, and make sure the shower or bathtub is free of bottles. Clean, empty surfaces suggest ample storage and space.
Next, scrutinize your bathroom fixtures. If they're outdated or rusty, replacing them can make a significant difference in the bathroom's overall appeal. This can include faucets, shower heads, light fixtures, towel racks, and drawer pulls. Opt for modern designs and finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black to bring your bathroom up-to-date.
Ensure your bathroom is well-lit. If your current lighting casts shadows or is too harsh, consider adding wall sconces or LED lights around the mirror for better illumination. A well-lit bathroom looks more spacious and inviting.
Consider the bathroom textiles. Replace any old or worn-out bath mats, shower curtains, and towels with new ones. Consider investing in plush, white towels and a high-quality shower curtain. Neutral colors are generally best, as they create a serene and spacious ambiance.
Add some stylish decor to personalize the space, but remember to keep it minimal. A small potted plant (real or artificial), a decorative soap dispenser, or a few framed prints on the wall can add character without cluttering the space.
Lastly, focus on creating a spa-like ambiance. A neatly stacked pile of fresh towels, a tub tray with a book and a candle, or a small basket with high-end bath products can evoke a sense of indulgence that buyers will appreciate.
In staging your bathroom, the goal is to create a space that potential buyers would love to use - a space that feels like a personal retreat within the home. It's all about selling a lifestyle, and a well-staged bathroom does exactly that.
The Home Office
In today's era of flexible work schedules and remote positions, a home office has become a highly desirable feature in a property. This space should inspire productivity, creativity, and offer a serene spot away from the bustling activities of the rest of the house.
The first step in staging a home office is to ensure it is neat and free of clutter. Just like other areas of the house, clutter can be a distraction and make the space seem smaller and less functional. Keep the desk surface clean, save for a few essentials like a laptop, a stylish lamp, and maybe a small plant or an elegant pen holder. If the office has bookshelves, make sure they're organized and not overfilled.
Comfort is a key factor in a home office. Invest in an ergonomic office chair, which will not only look good but will also communicate to buyers that they can work from this space comfortably for hours. If the room is spacious, consider adding a comfortable reading chair with a floor lamp for an alternative workspace.
Lighting plays a critical role in a workspace. Ensure the room is well-lit, with plenty of natural light if possible, supplemented by task lighting such as a desk lamp. You might also consider adding ambient lighting like a floor lamp to help create a comfortable reading corner or to make the room feel cozy when working late.
Consider the wall behind the desk. As video calls have become the norm, a pleasant backdrop is a selling point. A neat bookshelf, a piece of artwork, or a simple, well-painted wall can serve as an attractive background.
If the room you're staging as an office is small or is part of another room, creative solutions can demonstrate that it still works effectively as an office. Use room dividers or position the desk facing a wall to create a sense of separation. Even in a small space, by placing a sleek desk against a wall, adding a chair, a lamp, and some tasteful decor, you can create a convincing workspace.
Lastly, ensure the office feels inviting. Greenery can help with this; consider adding a few low-maintenance plants. Not only do they improve the room's aesthetics, but they can also improve air quality and reduce stress.
By staging a functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing home office, you can help potential buyers envision a productive and enjoyable workspace in their new home.
The Outdoor Spaces
Curb appeal is crucial, but the backyard is equally important. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, plant some bright flowers, and remove any clutter. If you have a patio, stage it with comfortable outdoor furniture. Consider adding outdoor lanterns or fairy lights for a touch of magic in the evening.
The Garage
The garage is often an overlooked space when staging a home for sale, but it should not be underestimated. For many potential buyers, especially those with outdoor hobbies or who require additional storage, a clean and organized garage can be a significant selling point.
Begin by decluttering the space. Remove unnecessary items and consider holding a yard sale or donating unused items to charity. The goal is to demonstrate the amount of available storage and the potential uses for the area. The more floor space potential buyers can see, the larger your garage will appear.
Once you've decluttered, consider investing in organization systems such as shelving units, wall hooks, and ceiling storage. Showing how these tools can be utilized for neat storage of tools, seasonal items, sports equipment, and more can help potential buyers visualize how they can keep the space tidy and organized.
Cleaning is another crucial step in staging the garage. Sweep the floor, wipe down surfaces, and ensure any windows are clean to let in natural light. If the walls are dingy or stained, consider a fresh coat of light-colored paint to brighten up the space, and if the floor is stained or cracked, consider resurfacing it or using an epoxy floor coating for a more polished look.
If the garage is used as a workshop, neatly organize the workbench and tools to showcase this functionality. If it's large enough to be used for other purposes, such as a home gym, consider staging an area accordingly to highlight this potential.
Lastly, pay attention to lighting. Many garages are under-lit, which makes them feel smaller and less inviting. Improve the lighting by adding brighter bulbs or more fixtures.
By showing potential buyers that your garage is more than just a place to park cars, but rather an extension of the home's usable space, you add value to your property. This often-overlooked area can indeed be a determining factor for buyers who value organization, storage, and multi-functional spaces.
The Basement
If your basement is finished, it's important to show its potential. Ensure it's well-lit and clean, and consider staging it according to its best use – a playroom, home gym, or additional family room. If your basement is not finished, make sure it's clean and free from musty odors. Consider brightening it up with some portable lamps and showcasing potential for remodeling.
Getting (Lots) of Professional Help
As you prepare to list your home for sale, staging these critical areas can be the difference between a potential buyer simply walking through or envisioning a future in your house. Remember, successful staging is not about showcasing your personal style, but about highlighting the features of your home and allowing potential buyers to see themselves living there.
Team Pinto is here to help you through every step of the selling process, including expert staging. We understand the Waterloo Region market and can help ensure your home stands out from the competition, resulting in a faster home sale for the best possible price. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.