Importance of Home Staging
Home staging quick sale, Home staging has become an increasingly popular strategy for selling homes quickly and for top dollar. According to statistics, staged homes sell for around 25% more on average than non-staged homes (source). Home staging makes a home more attractive to buyers by decluttering, repairing any issues, and showing off the best features of the space. This allows potential buyers to better visualize themselves living in the home.
The Baltimore real estate market has been growing steadily over the past decade. As of 2021, the median home price in Baltimore was around $300,000 (source). Home values have been rising due to high demand and low inventory. However, homes still sell relatively quickly in Baltimore, averaging around 40 days on the market.
When staging a home in Baltimore, it’s important to understand the factors that affect home sales in the area. Buyers care about location, school districts, neighborhood safety, proximity to amenities, and overall condition and updates. Ensuring the home is staged to maximize these key factors can really help it stand out on the competitive market. Staging highlights the best features and helps buyers envision the lifestyle.
Decluttering and Organizing
Decluttering is one of the most important steps when staging a home for sale in Baltimore. Removing excess personal belongings and furniture opens up the space and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. According to 10 Simple Decluttering Tips for HOME STAGING, homeowners should aim to remove 50-75% of items from shelves, surfaces, and closets. This includes personal photographs, artwork, collections, and memorabilia.
When decluttering for staging, go through each room and be ruthless about removing items that are not essential. Give away, donate or sell furniture that is damaged, outdated or oversized for the space. According to 5 Rules for Decluttering When You’re Selling a Home, hide away personal items like family photos, awards and sentimental objects. This allows potential buyers to imagine the home as their own.
Maximize storage space by reorganizing closets, cupboards and drawers to increase visibility and accessibility. Use storage containers and baskets to neatly store essential items out of sight. The goal is to create a neutral, inviting space free from clutter and distractions. Decluttering opens up the home, allowing its best features to shine through.
Cleaning and Repairs
A deep clean of the entire house is crucial when staging a home for sale. This includes scrubbing all surfaces, steam cleaning carpets, washing windows, and cleaning out cobwebs and dust buildup [1]. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are areas buyers scrutinize closely. Appliances should sparkle and grout lines should be spotless. Consider hiring professional cleaners to do a thorough job [2].
In addition to cleaning, sellers should address any visible repairs needed in the home [3]. Cracked floor tiles, holes in drywall, dripping faucets, squeaky doors, and more should all be fixed before listing the home. Make sure all fixtures, appliances, mechanical systems are in good working order. Taking care of repairs shows buyers the home has been well-maintained.
[1] https://www.biocleanct.com/the-importance-of-home-staging-cleaning-services
[2] https://dkdustbusters.com/cleaning-benefits-for-your-home-staging/
[3] https://professionalstaging.com/selling-your-home/home-repairs-you-should-take-care-of-before-selling/
Enhancing Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a home’s exterior and surrounding landscape. It’s often said that people make up their minds about a home within the first few seconds of seeing it from the street. That’s why enhancing curb appeal is a crucial part of staging a home for sale (source).
There are several things sellers can do to maximize their home’s curb appeal:
- Maintain the front yard and landscaping. Make sure the lawn is freshly mowed and edged, trees and shrubs are neatly trimmed, and garden beds are free of weeds. Plant flowers to add pops of color (source).
- Repaint or repair the exterior of the house. A fresh coat of neutral colored paint can go a long way. Also fix any damaged siding, wood trim, shutters, gutters, handrails, and fencing. Power wash the exterior to remove dirt and grime.
- Clean the entryway. Scrub the front door, give door hardware a shiny polish, and wash entryway windows. Add an updated welcome mat and potted plants or flowers by the front door.
- Replace any broken stepping stones, bricks, or concrete on the walkway. Sweep debris from the driveway and sidewalk.
- Add exterior lighting. Make sure the front door, walkway, driveway, and yard are well-lit. This adds curb appeal and makes the home feel more secure.
- Remove any clutter from the yard, porch, or driveway. This includes kid’s toys, garden tools, garbage cans, etc. Buyers want to picture themselves living there.
- In winter, thoroughly shovel and de-ice walkways after snowfalls. Keep the driveway plowed so it doesn’t look abandoned.
With some time and effort, sellers can transform the exterior of their home and make an excellent first impression on buyers. Curb appeal is an investment that can pay off with a quicker sale and potentially a higher price.
Neutralizing and Depersonalizing
One of the most important aspects of staging a home for sale is neutralizing the decor and removing personal belongings that prevent potential buyers from envisioning themselves living in the space. When it comes to paint colors and furniture, neutral tones are ideal. Shades of off-white, gray, and beige tend to appeal to the largest number of buyers, as they don’t feel distracting or limiting. As professional home stager Julie Dana notes, “A neutral palette as a base is important for home staging because buyers need to be able to picture their own furniture and décor in its place.”
In addition to neutral wall colors, furniture and accessories should also utilize neutral, non-distracting hues. As Southern Staging SC recommends, “Having walls, furniture and accessories in more neutral hues helps minimize distractions. It allows buyers to imagine their furniture and decor in the home.”
Beyond paint and furniture, homeowners should also remove family photos, personalized art, and distinctive decor before listing their home. Family portraits, children’s artwork, and personalized wall hangings prevent potential buyers from picturing the home as their own. Aim for a clean, neutral look free of personal artifacts and embellishments. This allows buyers to envision how they would furnish and decorate the space.
Furniture Arrangement
When staging a home, furniture arrangement is crucial for creating an open, inviting layout that highlights the best features of each room. The goal is to make the space look larger and allow buyers to easily imagine themselves living there.
Some key tips for furniture arrangement in home staging include:
- Pull furniture away from the walls and position it to create natural walkways through the room. This makes the space feel more open and airy [1].
- Angle furniture slightly to create an inviting conversation area in the living room. Face chairs toward each other and the focal point of the room [2].
- Leave adequate space between furniture pieces and doorways. At least 36-48 inches is ideal for high-traffic areas [1].
- Position furniture to highlight architectural details like fireplaces, built-ins, and large windows. Allow these statement features to shine [2].
- In dining rooms, angle the table to create a focal point. Leave enough space around it for easy circulation [1].
- Remove extraneous furniture pieces and decor. Clutter will make rooms feel smaller and distract from key features [2].
Lighting and Ambiance
Proper lighting is crucial when staging a home for sale. It helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to buyers. Here are some tips for maximizing lighting during the staging process:
Maximize natural light – Take advantage of any natural light in the home by opening blinds and curtains. Remove any window treatments that block light. Consider trimming back trees or bushes blocking outside light. Strategically place mirrors to reflect and distribute natural light [1].
Use layers of lighting – Incorporate different lighting sources like overhead fixtures, lamps, and sconces. Mixing multiple types of lighting helps avoid a flat, uniform look. Task lighting like under-cabinet lights in kitchens highlights key areas [2].
Choose the right bulbs – Opt for soft white or daylight bulbs between 2700-3000K. Avoid harsh fluorescent or blue-toned bulbs. Dimmer switches allow adjusting fixture brightness. Use smart bulbs to program different lighting scenes.
Highlight architectural details – Illuminate beautiful features like vaulted ceilings, skylights, and crown molding. Up-lighting and accent lighting draw attention to these details.
Create ambiance with fixtures – Pick fixtures that match each room’s style, like chandeliers in dining rooms or sconces in hallways. Update outdated fluorescent box fixtures.
Check for burned-out bulbs – Replace any burned-out or dim bulbs throughout the home. Test fixtures to ensure all bulbs are functioning.
Consider professional adjustments – Hire an electrician to install new dimmer switches, wiring, and lighting fixtures if needed. This can take lighting from drab to dramatic.
[1] https://firstimpressionhomestaging.com/2022/04/lighting-a-staged-home/
[2] https://virtuallystagingproperties.com/10-best-tips-to-proper-lighting-when-staging-your-home/
Adding Warmth and Coziness
Adding warmth and coziness to a staged home can help potential buyers feel more at home and envision themselves living in the space. Some tips for making a staged home feel warmer and more inviting include:
- Using textiles such as throws, blankets, pillows, and area rugs in natural materials like wool, cotton, and jute. Layering textiles adds depth, texture and a sense of comfort. Place blankets on sofas and beds and use pillows to accent chairs [1].
- Incorporating cushions and pillows in warm, earthy tones like tans, browns, reds, and oranges. Cushions add softness and visual interest [1].
- Laying down area rugs in rich, warm hues. Large area rugs anchor a room and make it feel welcoming [1].
- Hanging curtains in natural fabrics like linen or cotton to soften windows and allow natural light in [2].
- Bringing in lamp lighting or sconces to create a warmer ambiance. Use dimmers to control brightness [3].
- Adding indoor plants and fresh flowers to give a sense of life and vibrancy [3].
- Using warm paint colors like tans, browns, terra cottas, or pale yellows [2].
- Keeping decor simple and decluttered to help spaces feel calm and inviting [2].
- Staging the home during daylight hours to utilize natural light from windows [3].
- Building a fire in the fireplace if one is present to create cozy appeal [2].
- Infusing inviting scents like baked goods, coffee, or candles to evoke warmth [1].
Overall, home stagers should focus on using natural materials, warm tones, soft textures, and minimal clutter when designing a space to feel warm and welcoming to potential buyers. A cozy atmosphere can go a long way in helping a house feel like home.
[1] https://professionalstaging.com/staging-tips/make-your-staged-home-feel-warm-and-welcoming/
[2] https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/home-staging-too-sterile-warm-up/
Staging Specific Rooms
When staging a home to sell, it’s important to consider how to make each room appealing to potential buyers. Here are some tips for staging key rooms in the house:
Living Room
The living room should create a welcoming first impression. Make sure furniture is arranged to open up space and allow traffic flow [1]. Remove clutter and excess furniture to make the room feel more spacious. Add stylistic touches like throw pillows, blankets and fresh flowers to add warmth [2]. Make sure the room is well-lit to appear bright and airy.
Kitchen
A cluttered kitchen can be a major turnoff for buyers. Remove everything from countertops and clean appliances to make the space gleam [1]. Consider painting or re-staining cabinets to modernize the look. Organize items inside cabinets to appear clean and spacious. Add a bowl of fresh fruit or flowers to add a homey touch.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should be minimalist and neutral. Remove photos, artwork and personal items [2]. Make sure closet space is clean and organized to maximize space. Add new, neutral bedding and decorative pillows for a clean look. Remove excess furniture to make the room feel spacious.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms should be spotless and clutter-free. Clean tile, sinks, mirrors and fixtures until they shine [1]. Store away personal items and toiletries. Consider updating hardware, shower curtains or towels for a fresh look. Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation. Repair any issues like mold or dripping faucets.
[1] https://www.heartandhomestaging.com/site/blog/2021/11/10/how-to-stage-a-house-a-room-by-room-guide
[2] https://www.moving.com/tips/home-staging/
Professional Home Staging Services
Hiring a professional home stager can be extremely beneficial when preparing your Baltimore home for sale. Professional stagers have extensive experience transforming properties to maximize their appeal and value to potential buyers [1].
There are several key advantages to hiring a pro:
- Stagers have an objective eye and can identify changes needed to declutter, neutralize, and enhance your home’s layout and flow. They make recommendations based on the latest trends and what sells best in the local market [2].
- Professional stagers have access to high-quality furniture, accessories, and staging products. They can furnish and decorate your home in a cohesive, stylish manner that appeals to buyers [3].
- Stagers save homeowners time and effort. They handle all the staging work from start to finish, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the sale.
- Staged homes statistically sell faster and for a higher price. Professional staging delivers a return on investment by boosting your home’s value and marketability [1].
When hiring a Baltimore home stager, be sure to vet companies thoroughly and read reviews. Reputable stagers will provide references from previous clients and have an established presence locally [2]. Leading staging firms in Baltimore include Joy Home Design, Spotlight Homestaging & Design, and Baltimore Staging [3]. Meet with stagers to evaluate their experience, portfolio, and pricing.
[1] https://joyhomedesign.com/
[2] https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-staging/baltimore-md-us-probr0-bo~t_11789~r_4347778
[3] https://www.spotlighthomedesign.com/
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