Are you preparing to list your home for sale?

While this can be an exciting time as you embark on a new adventure, it’s important that you take the extra time to ensure a smooth transition. Once your house is on the market things may start to move quickly, which is why taking the time to prepare for viewings is so important.

In this article, we will review some of the best tips to stage your home to sell and walk you through each step of the way!

1. Create Curb Appeal

What better way to spark interest, than with exceptional curb appeal?

First impressions are everything. With the right approach to curb appeal, you can intrigue potential buyers and entice them to schedule a viewing. The more people who visit your home for a viewing, the more likely you are to find the perfect fit and finalize the sale!

Here are 8 things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home:

Practice expert lawn care with water, seed and fertilizer
Add flowers, greenery and mulch
Install exterior lighting
Replace house numbers and mailbox if needed
Cut the grass, remove weeds and water flowers
Remove clutter and debris
Clean siding and windows with a power washer
Create warmth and comfort with decor

Lacking inspiration? Go for a walk around your neighbourhood and see how others have improved the exterior of their homes.

2. Clear Clutter

When a potential buyer visits your home, they are more often than not visualizing their lives within those four walls. If there is an abundance of clutter, it can take their focus away from the task at hand and soaking in everything that is your beautiful home.

Clearing the clutter, whether you pack it away, donate it or dispose of it properly, can help to clean the space and create a more minimalistic aesthetic. Minimalism is often associated with cleanliness, which can be achieved by clearing the clutter and prioritizing organization.

3. Improve Layout

While staging your home for a viewing, you may have to think outside the box when it comes to the furniture. This includes both the number of pieces and their placement. Having too many pieces of furniture can make a room feel cluttered and hard to navigate. To maximize and emphasize the available space within your home, you may want to consider temporarily removing some of the furniture or even rearranging the layout.

With a few simple changes, you may see your home in an entirely new light and really add to the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal.

4. Clean, Clean, Clean!

The cleaning process should never go overlooked, especially before a viewing.

Cleaning the various surfaces and areas of your home can add to the overall appeal. Your guests will feel more comfortable and recognize the care that you put into the maintenance of the property.

To help you get started, here is a cleaning checklist:

Clear clutter and dispose of garbage accordingly
Wash and put away dishes
Dust surfaces and high ledges
Wipe down all surfaces from top to bottom
Sweep, vacuum and mop all of the floors
Wash throw blankets, bedding and pillow cases/covers
Tidy your home and organize as needed
Take out the trash and recycling

Once all is said and done, ensure that your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, light a candle and relax.

5. De-Personalize

Do you have personal items throughout your home? Nothing makes it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home quite like photos of your family hung on the walls!

Take some time to walk through your home and remove personal items. Not only will this help contribute to the natural and minimal feel of your home, but it will also provide your family members with added privacy.

Selling Your Home with Sonia Oliveira

With help from an industry expert, selling your home can be an enjoyable process. For all of your real estate needs in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, contact Sonia Oliveira today. With years of experience and many helpful services, Sonia can help you list and stage your home to help attract the perfect buyer.

5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell