If you’re ready to list your Johns Creek home for sale, you probably already have a long checklist of items you need to complete. In addition to listing it at a competitive price by having your Johns Creek real estate agent do a comparative market analysis, doing any necessary large repairs like replacing the roof, and identifying the next home you want to move into, you also need to prep your house so that it is as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. The best way to do this is to stage it. Here is more information on what staging is, why it’s an important step in preparing homes for sale in Johns Creek, and how you can maximize your staging endeavor.
What is staging?
Staging is the process of redecorating, adding/removing/rearranging furniture, and creating a welcoming environment in homes for sale in Johns Creek to make them as appealing as possible to ideal buyers. During the staging process, you (or the professional you hire), will optimize each room in your home to make sure it has a designated purpose, is not crowded, and is decorated in a way that will fit with the broadest range of buyers’ tastes.
Why should I stage?
Staging is the best way to help prospective buyers of homes for sale in Johns Creek visualize themselves living in your home. It has also been proven to help your home sell for more and to help it sell more quickly. In fact, research shows that staged homes sell for up to 10% more than those that are not staged and greatly reduce the amount of time they stay on the market. When you take into consideration that professional staging costs an average of $500-$600 per staged room per month (and staging it yourself costs even less) and that it could increase the selling price of a $500,000 home by up to $50,000, it’s an obvious investment.
Tips on staging homes for sale in Johns Creek
Convinced you need to stage your home to maximize offers and sell your home quickly? Keep these tips in mind to help you stage successfully.
#1: Declutter
One of the goals of staging is to create a home that appears spacious and welcoming. To achieve this, you need to remove as much clutter as possible. This includes off-season clothing, books, papers, knickknacks, and small appliances that are taking up space on countertops. Keep in mind that buyers of homes for sale in Johns Creek will be looking in closets, basements, and other storage spaces, so put your clutter in a rented storage unit to prevent clutter in these areas.
#2: Depersonalize
If you’ve been in your home for a few years, you’ve probably taken steps to make it feel as homey as possible with personalized décor, paint colors, and design features. Unfortunately, many of those who are looking at homes for sale in Johns Creek will not share your preferences, so it’s important to depersonalize as much as possible to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Remove items like religious symbols, sports memorabilia, and framed family photos. Repaint rooms in warm neutrals like off-white, beige, or grey. The more you can create a blank canvas for buyers, the more they are likely to see your home as their own.
#3: Deep clean
Homes for sale in Johns Creek need to be spotless before the first interested buyer walks through the front door. You’ve got enough on your plate when it comes to selling your home, so it’s best to leave this task to the professionals. A cleaning company that specializes in prepping homes for the market will have the right supplies, tools, and knowledge to ensure that each nook and cranny of your home is ready for even the most scrutinizing buyer.
#4: Lighten and brighten
A home that is full of light appears larger and is more welcoming than one that is steeped in shadows. To let in as much natural light as possible, remove heavy blinds or draperies and replace them with sheer options (or leave them off altogether.) In rooms that don’t get much natural light, place extra floor or table lamps. You may also want to add some recessed or under-counter lighting to brighten up key rooms like kitchens and living rooms. Before your first showing, ask your Johns Creek real estate agent to turn on all lights and lamps to make your home as bright as possible.
#5: Replace or remove furniture
Too much furniture in a room will make it look crowded and small. This is also the case with bulky couches or chairs that are too big for the room they are in. During the staging process, analyze each room and see if there are opportunities to replace bulky furniture with lighter, smaller pieces or remove pieces altogether. Each room should only have the furniture necessary to clearly state its purpose. For example, a bedroom needs only a bed, nightstand, and dresser while a sitting room could be limited to an armchair, small table, and reading lamp.
#6: Boost curb appeal
Staging of homes for sale in Johns Creek should not be limited to the indoors. Your buyers will form a first impression before they walk through the front door, so create a positive impression by tidying and trimming the lawn, trees, and bushes and ensuring there is no visible damage to walk or driveways. Make your entryway welcoming by placing potted plants or flowers on the porch, hanging a seasonal wreath on the door, and putting down a cheerful welcome mat.
If you’re ready to start prepping your home for sale, staging it properly is one of the best ways to encourage offers and reach your selling goals. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to a trusted Johns Creek real estate agent like Regan Maki for professional guidance.
