Home staging can help sell houses

Real estate professionals know the importance of great photography. When searching listings on REALTOR.ca, if your clients like what they see, they’ll think about scheduling a viewing. And if they don’t, chances are they’ll swipe on to the next listing.

Like photography, home staging is about selling ideas and potential. A home has to say something about the type of person who would own it, and home staging professionals are experts at knowing how to create that feeling.

As a real estate professional, you understand buying or selling a home is an emotional experience. From the kitchen that invokes a gourmet feel, the rec room that hits a homerun with the sports fanatic or the walk-in closet that is truly a shoe-lover’s dream; helping potential buyers picture themselves in the space you’re selling can help them become excited and attached.

In recent years, professionals from the home staging and real estate industries have started working together, with some agents now including a home staging consultation as part of their services.

My friend and REALTOR® Irene Bilinski, with RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group in Ottawa, is one of them.

“I use the services of a home staging professional to enhance the saleability of a property because once a house is on the market it becomes a business transaction,” she tells me.  “The house needs to be attractive to the general public who are looking for a property in a certain area at a certain price point.”

According to Bilinski, putting up a sign and simply taking pictures is not enough in today’s market.

“Home staging not only showcases a home’s architecture and shows potential buyers how the space can be used for their furniture; it can decrease the days your listing is on the market.”

While each house is different, my top three tips include:

1. Conceal personal items: While selling a property can be an emotional experience, you want potential buyers to picture themselves in the space. Start by removing family photos, children’s artwork and painting bright-coloured walls a more neutral shade.
2. Details, details, details: Be sure to replace burnt-out bulbs, repair any nicks or dents and tighten leaky faucets. Once the fix-ups are done, then focus on aesthetics like fresh linens in the bathroom or flowers in the kitchen.
3. Curb appeal: You know what they say about first impressions! You want buyers to be impressed before they enter the home. Remove dead plants, cut the grass, trim bushes and repair or stain the porch floor as needed.

Our thanks to Judy for sharing these insightful tips. Do you work with a home staging professional? Share your thoughts in the Comment section below.