People are largely attracted by what they see and when it comes to buying a home, there is no exception. It could be a complete nightmare if potential home buyers are not attracted to your property. Not only would your house stand the risk of sitting in the market for a long time, but you might end up having to sell your home at a cheaper rate than it’s truly worth. This is where home staging comes in.  

Hombek has been in real estate for over 20 years and know what it takes to sell a home. Although there are several factors to consider when selling, home staging is at the forefront of building aesthetics and making your home more appealing to potential buyers. There are several things you can do to stage your home to make it look more appealing to buyers but when it comes to apartment staging, you may want to speak to one of our agents as it can be a little more difficult due to the constant evolvement in interior decoration and high level of competition in the Canadian market. Continue reading to find out the top tips for home staging in Canada!  

What is home staging and why is this important? 

Home or apartment staging is the process of making your home more attractive through temporary interior design. This includes redecorating, rearranging, and carrying out aesthetic strategies to make any home as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Home staging is an important part of the home selling process as it makes your home look “move-in-ready” which helps buyers envision themselves in the home as though it were their own, making them eager to buy.  

Staging your home can help you to sell at a higher price. The better your home looks, the more it is worth. Home staging can be done by a real estate agent, although you can decide to do it yourself.   

Here are some of the best tips to help distinguish your home from others in the real estate market:   

 

Good Exterior 

You must ensure that your home’s exterior looks clean and attractive for people to be interested in buying. This is a very important step in home staging because it is the first point of contact for a home buyer. Here are a few ways to do this:  

Visibility 

Get in front of your yard work. Trim the hedges, prune your trees, and cut the grass around the house to make it stands out. You’ll want to make your home look picturesque. Think of it as framing an Instagram post. 

Colour Coordination 

When preparing your home for home staging, opt for a maximum of two or three exterior paint colors. If repainting is out of budget, you can pressure-wash the exterior for a fresh look. 

Quick Fixes 

You could make use non-toxic spray paint for lawns with brown patches. Artificial plants or flowers can add vibrancy, but remember, they’re only a short-term solution. 

Entryway 

Your front door and pathway should be inviting. Consider a fresh coat of paint for the door, a new doormat, and perhaps potted plants on either side of the entrance to give it a clean look. 

Functional Fixes 

Ensure doorbells, gates, and locks work smoothly. Potential buyers shouldn’t struggle to enter or tour the outdoor spaces. 

 

Declutter your home 

To prepare your home for staging, you’ll need to take time to declutter. This means removing any excess clutter and personal items that could distract potential buyers from the features of your home. It also means arranging your furniture and decor to highlight your home’s best features and make it feel welcoming and inviting. A clean, clutter-free home can go a long way in making a great first impression on potential buyers and can help to make your home stand out. 

 

Define Each room 

When home staging, every room should clearly showcase its intended use. This helps potential buyers see the importance of each room and visualize how best to utilize the space. For instance, a well-maintained basement could be transformed into a family game room while a spare room could be elegantly staged as a serene meditation or yoga space. The essence is to make each space look good and valuable. 

 

Enhance Natural Light 

Another way to impress potential buyers during a home evaluation is to enhance your home’s natural light. This can be achieved by cleaning your windows, removing heavy drapes or  curtains, and using light-coloured or sheer window treatments. You can also add mirrors or reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious. 

 

Have Good Flooring 

A home with grimy or worn-out carpeting can be a turn-off for many buyers. Ensure that you have good flooring that would appeal to almost anyone. A good option would be to make use of hardwood floors. They give your home a sophisticated look and are easy to maintain. Hardwood floors also provide great long-term value, so you don’t have to worry about fixing it all the time. If a buyer prefers carpets, hardwood can easily be covered and preserved for future homeowners. 

 

Make Minor Upgrades 

Making minor upgrades to your home can also increase its appeal to prospective buyers. This can include replacing outdated hardware on cabinets and doors, and repainting rooms in a fresh, neutral colour. Minor upgrades can make a big difference in how your home is perceived. They can help buyers see the potential in your home and make it easier for them to envision themselves living there. 

 

Bottom Line  

Home staging is an important step in the home-selling process. By decluttering, enhancing natural light, defining each room, having good flooring, and making minor upgrades, you can make your home stand out and have a great first impression on potential buyers. You can also work with a trusted real estate agent to help with home staging or do it by yourself.  

If you are looking for an experienced real estate team to help with home staging, we’re here to help. Our experienced real estate agents can guide you through the process and offer personalized advice to help make your home stand out in the real estate market.  

Reach out to one of our agents at Hombek to find out how we can stage your home and help you sell quickly!