The San Francisco Bay area is a magical place to call home. From the close-knit feel of Piedmont to the unique shopping and dining experiences in Rockridge to the global feel that comes from Berkeley’s college atmosphere, this part of California is a popular place to visit, own a vacation home, or live full-time. If you are lucky enough to own a home in this area and are planning to sell, you likely won’t have much trouble finding interested buyers. However, to maximize the amount you get for your home, you need to follow some simple tips, such as setting the right price, working with an experienced agent, and staging it to appeal to your ideal buyer. In the Bay area, staging with style is an important step when it comes to getting your home ready for the market. Here are some home staging tips that will help you accomplish this goal.
1. Clean, declutter, and depersonalize
Before you can add any artistic touches, you need to make sure your home is decluttered and sparkling clean. Remove as many personal items as you can. This includes papers, extra clothes, shoes, and dishes, countertop appliances, and knickknacks. Personal items such as family photos, framed degrees, and toiletries should also be removed. If you are still living in the home, don’t make the mistake of simply putting these items in closets or other storage spaces, as potential buyers will be looking in all your spaces. Instead, rent a storage unit where you can keep extra belongings until you’re ready to move.
When it comes to cleaning, most homeowners choose to hire a company that specializes in preparing houses for listing over cleaning it themselves. Professional cleaning companies know how to get into every nook and cranny and will make sure your house is sparkling before the first buyer walks through the door.
2. Remove or replace furniture
Stylish homes have plenty of open space and flow. If your home is cluttered with too much or too large of furniture, it will look cramped and outdated. A key component of the staging process is to remove any furniture that is not necessary for identifying the purpose of the room. For example, a bedroom should only have a bed, a nightstand, and a dresser, while a dining room should only have a table and chairs.
Bulky furniture should also be removed and replaced with sleeker, more streamlined pieces that enhance the space in the room.
3. Choose the right artwork
Decluttering and depersonalizing your home does not mean walls have to be completely bare. While you do not want controversial or religious wall decor, you can choose pieces that will appeal to a large number of buyers and make your home appear more stylish. Some home staging tips in the artwork area include:
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Choose abstract pieces with colors that complement the colors of your walls and furniture.
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Landscape paintings or photography are also good options.
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Select artwork that has neutral yet still interesting visuals.
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Consider the size and scale. Small framed artwork should not be hung on a large, empty wall, for example. Instead, choose one large piece or hang a “gallery” of smaller paintings or photographs.
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If you have a room with neutral walls and furniture, use artwork to deliver a pop of color.
4. Style and luxury go hand in hand
Those who are looking for a stylish home are usually the same ones who appreciate luxury touches. Take your home to the next level of posh with these luxury home staging tips:
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Make your bedrooms into hotel rooms. Experts suggest using white sheets and pillows when staging bedrooms and using the “less is more” approach. This creates a clean aesthetic and is appealing to those who love the luxury vibe of a high-end hotel room.
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Stage your primary bath. A primary bath is a place to relax, unwind, and indulge. Make sure yours sends this message by staging it with white fluffy towels, high-end bath salts or bubble baths, and a bottle of champagne with two flutes.
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Pay attention to specialty rooms. Do you have a home theater? Stage it with popcorn, comfy blankets, and plush pillows. Have a high-tech home office? Make sure you have it staged with a new computer, sleek desk, and ergonomic office chair. Home gyms, libraries, playrooms, and game rooms are other examples of specialty rooms that you can stage to make your home unique.
5. Don’t forget curb appeal
No one will bother to go into your stylish home if the curb appeal does not make a favorable impression. Before you list, you need to make sure your front area is free of damage–including cracks in the walkway, damaged steps on the front porch, or peeling paint or stains on railings. Your front door is also important. Many homeowners choose to either paint or replace their front door before they start welcoming prospective buyers.
Boost your home’s curb by removing any clutter, including yard tools, kids’ bicycles or toys, and trash containers. Make sure your lawn, trees, and shrubs are neat and tidy. Consider adding some color by placing potted flowers or plants along the walkway or on the front porch or patio. Finally, place a cheerful welcome mat in front of the door and hang a seasonal wreath.
Are you ready to list your Bay Area home so you can upgrade, downsize, or relocate? You can use these home staging tips to increase your home’s appeal or–even better–hire a professional stager to make your home irresistible to the right buyer.
Ready to list but haven’t yet chosen an agent? Reach out to experienced local real estate agent Allie Pembleton. She can answer any questions and help you through the entire listing and selling process.