Benefits of Staging Your Home For Sale

Staging is preparing your home to appeal to buyers, with a goal of getting the fastest sale for the best price. It is not a new concept, but not as widely used as one would expect, given the benefits it provides. It is however picking up pace in the USA, Canada and indeed here in Jamaica. 

In one of my previous blogs I spoke about curb appeal, and this actually a part of staging, as it represents your home’s first impression from the street. The next thing you want to do extend that appeal to the inside of your house. The aim is to make the home appear larger, brighter and more inviting. It should allow people to visualize living there and most importantly it should make an emotional connection.

According to the National Association of Realtors (USA), staged homes sell 80% quicker and for up to 11% more money than non-staged. People are willing to pay more for a home that appears as turn-key, and they are less likely to fuss over small issues. Taking care of cosmetic deficiencies (such as chipped paint and outdated or old fixtures) can also help you to get a higher value from an appraiser. 

Keep in mind also that staged homes look better in photographs, and since most buyers check online first, you are more likely to get more in-person views if your photos are impressive. In addition, staged homes appear to be well cared for, which means better quality for the buyer. When buyers walk away from a staged home, it leaves a longer lasting impression.

There are professional home stagers who help to highlight the best features of your home, while downplaying the defects. Sometimes they are recommended because they provide an objective view that will make the home appealing to a wide cross-section of buyers, instead of just those who share your taste. If you decide to do it yourself however, here are some tips from the pros:

• Remove personal items such as toothbrushes, used bars of soap, and personal photographs.

• Clear clutter to make your home seem bigger, brighter and more organized

• Make sure to clean up – pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, and add a fresh coat of paint if necessary

• Group furniture into attractive sets away from walls, and add a rug or two

• Use a variety of lighting fixtures and increase the wattage to at least 100. Lighting makes the space look warmer and more welcoming.

• Add accessories such as flowers, decorative vases, a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, rolled up towels and candles in the bathroom.

• Make sure your home is smelling fresh and clean, but don’t use overpowering air fresheners as some people may be allergic.

Remember that the housing market is competitive, so if you decide to sell your house, make sure when buyers step in, they don’t want to leave!

Curb Appeal for Jamaican Homes

The most popular front yard fixture in Jamaica is a fence…used mainly to keep things in (what we do in our yards is our own business!) and to keep things out...strangers, stray dogs, mango thieves, etc. When I was a child most fences were made of hibiscus plants, known locally as Shoeblock. They were very effective, almost impossible to walk through or climb over, and they added beautiful curb appeal in the form of hedging (which is why we still use them). A Fence whether natural or man-made is one way of increasing the attractiveness of your home.  Perfectly manicured lawns and well-kept gardens add a finishing touch. But if you’re looking for more ways of sprucing up your front yard, as well increasing your property value, try these tricks:

Create a Walkway

If you don’t have a driveway, a walkway will instantly improve how your home looks from the street. A stone (or faux stone) walkway will certainly make a good first impression, just make sure it’s neatly done.

Build an Arbor

Arbors, garden gates and decorative fencing will enhance your entryway, increase the value of your home and definitely add curb appeal. Some are sold pre-fab so you can simply assemble the pieces and paint or stain them in a colour that is already on your house. You can add plants at the base, hang them on it, or plant vines and allow them to grow on it. I really love this one!

Add Built-In Seating

Adding built-in seating is a great way to boost your curb appeal. You can put built-in seating outside in the yard, around a tree trunk or attached to the garden wall. Seating is easy to make and can be added to existing features. You can add seating all the way around the porch for entertaining large groups or simply make an attached bench in one corner. I particularly like this simple wooden one, but you can add cushions for extra comfort and luxury. Better yet, create an outdoor living space!

Add Soft Lighting

Lighting can instantly increase your curb appeal and add safety and security. Get creative with the lighting:  hang lights on trees, install solar lights to illuminate your walkway or driveway, use lamp posts, or even candles on the porch! Ensure electric lighting is installed by a professional and candles are in secure glass containers.

Painting

We all know this but it’s worth repeating. A coat of paint will do wonders, try different colours that complement each other. It is the easiest way to update your home and its one of the most noticeable things about your house from the street. Paint your front door in a bold colour for a more modern look, or paint your trimmings in an unusual colour such as black or dark grey! Paint a concrete walkway or steps to look like brick!