Why Staging is Important for the Outside of a Home, Too
When it comes to selling a home, you’ve probably heard about staging. Staging is simply the manner in which you prepare a for-sale house for showings (e.g. arranging furniture for more open, free-flowing lines, making sure that all kids toys are neatly out of sight, maybe renting certain items like tableware for displays, etc.). The goal is to stage in a way that appeals to the highest number of potential buyers with the hope of selling the property faster and for more money. Staging the inside of a home can help it to show better than other market listings, as it inspires feelings and connections that entice homebuyers. But, did you know that it’s also important to stage the outside of your home when going to market?
It’s an element that is all-too-often overlooked, as most homeowners and sellers focus solely on tidying up the inside of a house. But, you are missing out if you choose to forgo outdoor staging. It is, after all, the first thing that prospective homebuyers will see, so why not give it the attention that it deserves? If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a few helpful and creative tips to make that first impression really stand out!
Clean & Remove Clutter
When staging anything, the first thing that you want to do is clean the space so that you can see what you’re working with. Do a thorough cleaning of porches, decks, garages, driveways, walkways and any other outdoor spaces. This also includes general maintenance, like mowing the lawn, fertilizing the grass, cleaning out old planters, trimming overgrown trees and bushes, etc. The goal is to rid the property of all clutter for a nice, clean impression. That means packing away that collection of garden gnomes! No buyer wants to drive up and see clutter; clutter just sucks energy away from a property. You want to keep eyes moving so that they can take in the whole property. Remember, when potential homebuyers see your house, they don’t want to see evidence of those who already live there; they want to be able to envision themselves living there. So, make way for those fantasies!
Touch Ups
Just as you might make some touch ups to the indoor spaces, you can do the same for the outdoor areas. Consider giving your home a fresh coat of paint to really make it pop (but keep it neutral). Again, you want everything to look fresh and welcoming for potential buyers, and that starts with the look of a clean house. Is your siding covered in dirt? Get it power washed. Do you notice those tears in the screen coverings of your windows? Go ahead and replace them. Does your front door need a splash of color? Go for it!
Extras
When prospective buyers walk up to your home, they want to feel like they are walking into their dream home, so help them to better envision this. Does your front door have that “welcome home” vibe? Maybe consider hanging a beautiful wreath. Or, if the weather is right, consider planting fresh flowers for some color and life.
The ultimate goal of staging is to pull the buyer in by making an unforgettable first impression. It may seem like a bit of work on the front end, but trust us, staging is far less strenuous than a price reduction on the back end.
For more tips on selling your home quickly in a competitive market, contact me at (847) 226-8681 or via email at ebooth@ericboothrealty.com.
