If you're looking to sell your home, one of the most important things you can do is stage it correctly. Staging prepares your house for sale by making it look as appealing as possible to potential buyers. This blog will discuss the most important rooms to stage and how to do it effectively.
According to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the most important rooms to be staged from a buyer's perspective are the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. The report notes that sellers also usually chose to stage the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom, with more than half of respondents indicating the dining room was also a popular space to stage.
1. Living room
As one of the home's prime gathering spaces, the living room is unsurprisingly the top preference of the rooms to be staged for both buyers and sellers of Back Bay condos for sale, Beacon Hill real estate, and Seaport condos for sale. The living room can be staged in several ways. One way is to create a focal point, such as a fireplace or a large window with a view. You can also use furniture and accessories to create different conversation areas. It's essential to ensure the room feels welcoming and inviting so potential buyers can imagine themselves living there.
Another way to stage this area is to make the room multi-functional by adding built-in bookshelves, a workstation, or an entertainment center. This will show potential buyers that the room can be used for more than just sitting and chatting.
Finally, you want to ensure the room is well-lit and clutter-free. Maximizing natural light and supplementing with lamps will help make the room feel bright and airy, and decluttering will help the room appear larger and more spacious. You should also be sure to arrange furniture in a way that provides clear and wide walkways since the appropriate spacing of items in the room can make or break a buyer's impression of the space.
2. Primary bedroom
The primary bedroom is the next most important room to stage because it's where potential buyers of Back Bay condos for sale, Beacon Hill real estate, or Seaport condos for sale will imagine themselves relaxing at the end of a long day. To make the room feel inviting, start by decluttering and removing items like family portraits or collectibles. Don't forget to declutter the primary bedroom's closet, too! You want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves relaxing in the space, so creating a neutral and soothing canvas is essential.
Next, you'll want to focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere. This can be done by adding soothing colors like blues and greens and using soft fabrics like linen, cotton, or plush fleece. You can also add some greenery to the room to help purify the air and create a serene ambiance. Adding some artwork to the wall is also a good idea, as long as the piece is neutral.
Finally, you'll want to make sure the room has adequate lighting. This means a mix of overhead lighting, lamps, and natural light from windows. The goal is to create a warm and inviting space where potential buyers can imagine themselves retreating at the end of each day. It is also important to consider window treatments. If you can afford it, including automated window treatments is a nice touch as it adds an element of luxury.
3. Kitchen
The kitchen is another of the most important rooms to stage because it's where families spend time cooking, chatting, relaxing, and entertaining. To make sure your kitchen makes a good impression on buyers of Back Bay condos for sale, Beacon Hill real estate, or Seaport condos for sale, start by giving it a deep clean. Clean the appliances inside and out, and scrub the counters, backsplash, and floors.
Once the kitchen is cleaned, you'll want to make it look spacious as possible. This can be done by decluttering countertops and removing small appliances. It's vital to clear off the fridge since potential buyers will likely open it during the home tour. If your kitchen has a window, ensure it is clean and free of obstructions.
In terms of staging, you'll want to focus on creating an inviting space for entertaining. This means providing a breakfast nook or casual seating near the kitchen so potential buyers can imagine themselves enjoying a cup of coffee or entertaining guests. You should also consider adding a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit to the kitchen table to give it a pop of color and life.
Finally, you'll want to make sure the kitchen is well-lit. This means supplementing natural light with overhead lighting and under cabinet lighting. You want potential buyers to be able to see themselves cooking and entertaining in the space, so create a bright and inviting atmosphere.
4. Dining room
Finally, most buyers expect to see the dining room staged. The dining room is often considered the second heart of the home (after the kitchen, of course), where families gather to eat, relax, and entertain guests.
When staging your dining room, you'll want to start by removing any items that personalize the space, such as portraits on the walls or collectibles on the table or sideboard. You also want to declutter the area and remove any excess furniture, such as a cabinet or chairs that you don't use regularly.
Next, you'll want to focus on the table and chairs. If you have a tablecloth, ensure it is clean and free of any stains or wrinkles. You should also consider adding a centerpiece to the table, such as a vase of fresh flowers, a bowl of fresh fruit, or candles. Be sure to set the table as though you are preparing for a dinner party, with place settings, napkins, and utensils.
In terms of the chairs, you'll want to make sure they are pushed in and aligned with the table. You may also want to consider adding slipcovers to the chairs if they look worn or outdated.
Finally, you'll want to focus on lighting. This means ensuring the room is well-lit so potential buyers can see themselves entertaining in the space. You should also consider adding a chandelier or pendant light over the table for an added touch of luxury.
By following these simple staging tips, you can ensure that your property looks its best when potential buyers come for a tour. If you're considering selling your house, Dylan Costello would be happy to help. Reach out to him to discuss how to navigate the local real estate market to ensure you earn top dollar for your home.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
