From Bad to Beautiful. Staging and Updating Secrets
Staging and Updating Secrets to Sell Your Home
Do you know what updates you should be making in your home in order to get you the largest return on investment? I do. I've been in thousands of homes. I have seen hundreds of thousands of pictures online, maybe even millions of pictures online, of homes that show well and homes that don't show well. I've been with so many buyers who are actually in these homes, telling me what they like about them and what they don't.
Today, I’m going to show you real-life examples of homes currently on the market. I'll highlight what updates should have been made and showcase the transformative "after" pictures.
The Big Question: What to Update?
When preparing to sell your home, the most common question is: "What should we update?" Most homeowners aren't decorators and have lived in their homes for many years, loving the way it looks and feels. But they know their home might not appeal to younger buyers with different tastes. This leads to confusion and being stuck on where to start or who to talk to.
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. I'll show you the tiniest updates that can make a huge difference. And after these updates, you might find yourself loving your home even more.
Getting Everyone on Board
Often, the biggest challenge is convincing everyone in the household, especially if one partner (usually the husband) loves the home as it is and sees no need for updates. Showing them real-life transformations can help change their perspective.
Making the Right Updates: A Detailed Look
Neutralize Personal Decor:
Example: A living room with personal flags and outdated furniture.
Solution: Remove personal items and rearrange existing furniture to create a more cohesive and modern look. Replace dated decor with affordable, contemporary pieces from stores like HomeGoods or Target. Showcase neutral palettes that appeal to a broader audience.
Showcase Hardwood Floors:
Example: Rooms with large rugs covering beautiful hardwood floors.
Solution: Remove the rugs or replace them with smaller ones to highlight the flooring. Buyers love hardwood floors and will appreciate seeing them in good condition.
Update and Stage Furniture:
Example: A living room with mismatched, dated furniture.
Solution: Remove or replace older pieces with more modern, neutral options. Rearrange furniture to make the room feel spacious and inviting. Ensure the room looks ready for an HGTV shoot, appealing to the modern buyer’s aesthetic.
Tackle Carpeting:
Example: Outdated or worn carpeting in living spaces and stairs.
Solution: If hardwood is underneath, consider removing the carpet. Buyers often prefer hardwood, even if it needs refinishing. If carpet replacement is necessary, choose a neutral, high-quality option that complements the home's overall style.
Paint and Trim:
Example: Outdated wall colors and unpainted trim.
Solution: Invest in a fresh coat of paint with modern, neutral colors. Updating trim with white or another light color can significantly modernize the space. For detailed guidance, check out our seller’s playbook or the curated paint palettes available through the links provided.
Update Kitchens and Bathrooms:
Example: Dated cabinets, old fixtures, and mismatched appliances.
Solution: Depending on the cabinet quality, consider painting them in a modern color. Update fixtures to more contemporary styles and ensure appliances are stainless steel if possible. However, avoid major renovations if they won’t yield a high return on investment.
Handle Personal Items and Clutter:
Example: Overcrowded rooms with personal collections and clutter.
Solution: Remove personal collections and minimize clutter. Use neutral decor to stage the home. Organized storage solutions can also make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive the space.
Basement and Utility Spaces:
Example: Basements with bold color choices and utility rooms filled with clutter.
Solution: Keep colors neutral in basements and ensure they are clean and organized. For utility spaces, tidy up and organize items neatly on shelves or in boxes.
Paint: The Powerhouse of Updates
Paint is one of the most cost-effective updates you can make. It transforms rooms, modernizes spaces, and appeals to a wide range of buyers. Visit our seller’s playbook or the provided links for paint color recommendations and peel-and-stick samples to see how colors look in your home.
Conclusion
Remember, these updates don't require a huge budget but can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived by potential buyers. By following these guidelines, you can increase your home's appeal, sell faster, and get the highest return on your investment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're planning to sell in six weeks, six months, or six years, these tips are for you. For more detailed guidance, download our seller’s playbook or join our Facebook group for personalized advice and community support.
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