Focus on Staging your Home for Today’s Buyers

Some of today’s most prominent buyers include singles, first-time homebuyers and young families with children, as well as empty-nesters and those who are downsizing.  You may want to consider which type of buyer your home most easily lends itself to and then stage the rooms accordingly.

For singles, focus primarily on the bedroom, bathroom and a modern living space with a flat screen TV on a simple stand.  You don’t need to worry about fancy place settings at the dining room table since singles will spend most of their time in the living room and bedroom.

For young families with children, remember that children often will play or watch TV on the floor so make sure there is plenty of open space to accomodate this.  Remove big, bulky coffee tables and other items that might tend to clutter this area to give the appearance of a large, inviting living space. 

If you have children of your own, decorate rooms with age-appropriate bedding, linens and bright rugs near play areas.  Strategically place toy chests with the top open to “invite” the desire to “play.” 

Empty-nesters have a tendency to seek out upgrades in bath accessories such as decorative hanging lights, newer toilet paper holders and towel bars, and upgraded refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers.  If your budget allows for replacement of these items before putting your home on the market, it would be to your advantage to do so.

When showing your property, make sure you open heavy blinds and drapes, turn on lights to showcase rooms, and allow as much natural light to enter as possible.  If needed, add lamps or ceiling fan/light fixtures to rooms that could use better lighting.

Remember to also use lots of color in your decorating.  Decorative canisters, colorful throw pillows, even coffee table books can all add to a homey and inviting room. 

Use neutral colors in your flooring, upholstery and window treatments as these will accent the colorful assessories you are displaying.  When painting walls, remember to use neutral colors as well.  If you have some very bold colored walls, consider repainting them before listing your home for sale.

Don’t forget the garage in your staging!  Showcase the storage areas of your garage by organizing toys and sports equipment in a way that also shows functionality.

Remember to spruce up the outside of your home too.  Clean out debris from flower beds.  Plant some fresh flowers.  Sweep walkways and porches.  Repaint the house if needed.  Hide or remove unsightly garbage cans or other yard clutter.