First impressions are crucial, and according to a Princeton psychologist, most people only take a fraction of a second to make that critical initial judgment. Whether you're interviewing for a job, going on a date, or selling your home, you need to focus on the first things people notice.
Home staging is essentially first impression management. Staging a home involves smart use of color, layout, and decoration to make your home seem more valuable. Interested in learning more about real estate staging? Read on for our guide on this vital property value enhancement method.
Boost Curb Appeal
Research suggests people might make a decision about buying property within moments. Some features like modern plumbing or high-tech HVAC systems are less obvious and need a little time to sink in, so you should highlight features that make an instant impression.
For example, the first thing people see is the exterior, so real estate staging usually involves boosting that curb appeal. Think of things like:
- Adding new plants or landscaping to the front yard
- Ensuring the front yard looks clean and well-maintained
- Giving the exterior a new coat of paint
- Fixing up any obvious cosmetic issues
Highlight Your Home's Best Features
Always try to show off your home's best features while downplaying its less desirable ones. Do you have a sizable living room? Show it off with minimal furnishings and plenty of natural light.
Maybe the bedrooms are a bit lacking? According to psychologists, first impressions are much more memorable. Keep visitors in the striking living room for the first couple of minutes, and they might forget about your home's less desirable attributes that they see later on.
The best professional stagers can help arrange your property to ensure potential buyers are drawn to these outstanding features like metal to a magnet.
Let Their Imagination Run Wild
Home staging is all about minimalism. Decor from your exotic vacations might make a striking impression, but if potential buyers see your Australian didgeridoo or handcrafted Turkish lamps, it could put them off the property.
These items showcase your taste and personality, which is great when you're trying to impress personal guests. But, when you're showing off the property to potential buyers, you need to keep things neutral.
By putting personal items into storage, you're creating a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the space. Without family photos and personal keepsakes, people's imaginations start to run wild. They begin thinking about where they'd put their TV and what color they'd repaint the walls. The more they envision, the harder it is for them to walk away.
You Need Home Staging Expertise
As you can see, home staging is a subtle art. To make a great first impression while also creating a canvas for the imagination, you need to strike a fine balance between style and understatement.
Here at PMI Little Town, we have the home staging expertise to help you get the best price for your home in Littleton, Colorado. As a full-service property management company, we offer comprehensive home selling advice.
As a locally owned and operated company, we know the Littleton market, and as part of a huge national franchise, we're knowledgeable and resourceful professionals. Contact us today and let's discuss your property management needs.
