Home Staging Tips and Checklist

We all want the same thing when selling our homes to get the best price we can get. Your answer might just be "Home Staging" - this highlights the home's best features, helps it stand out from the competition and inspires buyers to form an emotional connection with the home. It's smart to take advantage of its benefits to get the most money possible for your listing.

There are a few simple things you can do to make any property more appealing. Use it as a checklist and see how many you can check to get the most out of your existing property.

Preparation

• Take pictures of each room and evaluate what each picture looks like
• Talk to a local real estate agent and professional home stager for customized advice
• Make any necessary repairs that are visible. Cracked walls or broken cupboards or tiles are a good starting point.

Declutter and Depersonalise

• Go through every room and get rid of anything you no longer want or need
• Remove any decor that's personal to you, choices of bright colours and bold decor choices like splashy wallpaper and fabrics
• Create a neutral colour scheme that could appeal to everyone.
• Get rid of features outdated features like old wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, and outdated carpet
• Remove all cluttered decor a clear surface is better than having too many items that don't match. Less is more in this instance.
• Put away all personal items that might intimidate buyers, such as family photos, kids' artwork, certifications, toys, and pet supplies
• Make sure there is a natural traffic flow in each space by rearranging furniture and getting rid of any pieces that are too bulky
• Allow as much light in as possible and add artificial lighting to dark corners. Make sure all your lights are on and that all broken bulbs are fixed.

Kitchen

• Clean everything off the countertops to show as much counter space as possible. Add life items like fresh flowers or fruit to create a homey feel.
• Put away small appliances
• If the cabinets are outdated, update them with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware
• Declutter the cabinets and organize the items so buyers will see that they offer plenty of storage space
• Make sure your space is cleaned well and all appliances and door handles are wiped
• Clean the trash cans and move them out of sight if possible

Living Room

• Evaluate the traffic pattern and make sure there is a natural flow through space
• Get rid of bulky or unnecessary furniture to create more space
• Edit the shelves and surfaces so there is minimal décor left and more open space
• Put away movies, video games, and magazines
• Gather small items like television remotes in a pretty box
• Cover outdated furniture or bold patterns with neutral slipcovers
• Accent the sofa and chairs with pretty accent pillows
• If you have one, clean out the fireplace and stage it (such as with a stack of wood or tools)

Bedrooms

• Depersonalize the décor and make it gender-neutral, including in kids' rooms
• Declutter all surfaces and leave only a few key pieces of décor on them (such as lamps and flowers)
• Put away jewellery and other valuables in a safe place
• Declutter and organize your closet

Bathrooms

• Do a deep clean and polish everything
• Make necessary repairs like re-caulking around the tub and sink
• Declutter the countertop and cabinets and organize the latter
• Create a spa-like appeal with elements like a white bathrobe hanging on the door, luxurious white towels, apothecary jars filled with pretty soaps or loofahs, flowers, and candles

Curb Appeal and Backyard

• Make sure your house numbers are visible from the street and look good, and that the mailbox is in great shape
• Power-wash the exterior of the home including the façade, driveway, sidewalk, and front porch
• Clean out the gutters
• Make any necessary repairs to the exterior of the home
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and make sure any light fixtures are clean and updated
• Put out a simple, pretty welcome mat
• Clean up the yard, fertilize the grass, and add colourful plants to the landscaping
• Trim back trees and shrubs to make sure buyers can see the house and that plenty of natural light can make it inside
• Make any outdoor living spaces appealing with comfortable furniture and stylish décor
• Remember first impressions last

Extra Touches

• Make sure the home smells great by keeping it clean, airing it out every day, and adding extra scents from candles, air fresheners, or by baking something in the oven before showings
• Switch out any art that is too personal in taste for pieces that are more neutral and appropriate for all audiences
• Hide pet and baby items from view before showings

Jadore Design | Jeanine Theron | Email: hello@jadoredesign.co.za | Contact: 066 470 3757

https://www.facebook.com/Jadore-Design-Studio-100693728859358/

Things to Keep In Mind:

1. Buyer only knows what they see, not how it's going to be.
2. Reduce clutter to really show the rooms to their best advantage.
3. If there are pets, consider cleaning carpets to reduce the odour.
4. As you may already realize, the way you live in your home and the way you market and sell your house are two different things.

Whether you need a "Life+Style" Change, or if you are looking to downsize or upsize, or you just need a holiday home to break away from the rat race; then give me a call, WhatsApp me, send me an email - your Property Matchmaker(s) are eagerly waiting to Match you with your new HOME...

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