When it’s time to sell, you want the best price for your investment property. Home staging can make your property stand out. According to the National Association of Realtors, 23 percent of sellers said that staged homes received 1 to 5 percent higher offers than non-staged homes. How does home staging work? Read on to find out.
Declutter
Getting rid of clutter lets you dramatically improve your property’s appearance without spending a fortune. The last thing you want potential renters to see is stacks of paper and crowded counter space. Consider putting extra furniture and accumulated garage junk in storage. You can always sort through stuff later. Right now, focus on decluttering your property.
Keep it Clean
Now is the time to do that deep cleaning. Sparkling clean rooms create a positive first impression. Make those windows shine, dust the furniture, polish the floors and steam clean the carpet. Even door knobs and light switches need attention. Let potential renters or buyers see that you take care of your property. The last thing you want them to notice is a stained carpet or a collection of dust bunnies under the sofa.
Choose the Right Color Scheme
Your rental doesn’t have to be awash in neutral tones, but a monochromatic color scheme, such as soothing shades of blue, is usually appropriate. Prospective renters can view the home as a whole without being distracted by a particular wall or ceiling. On the other hand, you may want to be a bit more adventurous with colors if your property sits in an arts district.
Enhance Lighting
You want every room in the property to look bright and inviting. Make the most of your available natural light by washing the windows and opening the blinds. For lamps and ceiling lighting, choose higher-temperature LED bulbs that mimic the look of daylight. Maximize the sunny effect by cleaning your light fixtures.
Repair and Refresh
Walk through your property and take note of items that need repairs. Make sure all light fixtures and bulbs work. Refresh the living room with new sofa cushions, or update the bedroom with a new comforter. Have pets scratched or chewed on the furniture? Could the walls use a new coat of paint? Simple repairs can make a big difference when staging a home.
Remember Curb Appeal
Of course, people will see the exterior of your property before they can enjoy the monochromatic color scheme and spiffed-up carpet. Therefore, don’t forget to consider curb appeal when staging your investment property.
First, stand at the curb in front of the home and look for areas that need improvement. Check the lawn, planting beds, and front entry. The exterior walls, patio, and driveway could probably use good pressure washing. Mow the lawn, pull weeds, put down fresh mulch, trim the shrubs, and paint the front door. While you’re at it, a new mailbox and doormat wouldn’t hurt.
How does home staging work? The general contracting professionals at RH Blanchard can answer your questions and make your Boston-area investment property shine. For a free quote, get in touch today!
