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If you're like most people who are beginning the process of putting their homes up for sale, you're probably aware of the concept of home staging. Home staging is a strategy used to present your home in a good light to prospective buyers by creating a warm, welcoming environment. Typical home staging techniques include burning scented candles, placing vases of fresh flowers in every room, and having something delicious and warm-from-the-oven in a conspicuous location on the kitchen counter.
However, these strategies have become so overused that today's savvy homeowners are possibly immune — after all, when buyers see the same thing in every home they look at, the magic starts to wear thin. Fortunately, there are home staging techniques that transcend immunity.
Cultivate a Clean Scene
Nothing takes the place of good old-fashioned cleanliness when it comes to impressing prospective homebuyers. Gleaming counters, spotless floors, and spic-and-span bathrooms are essential staging elements when trying to make your home as appealing to as many people as possible. Although this may seem obvious, many sellers are overlooking the impact that an impeccably clean home has in favor of traditional staging techniques. The home should also smell clean, but not in a way that indicates chemical cleaning agents. Try a light air freshener with minty notes about half an hour before prospective buyers are scheduled to arrive.
Kill Clutter
If you've lived in your home for any length of time, you've probably accumulated a bit of clutter that you may not notice anymore. Clearing it out not only gives you a head start on moving to your new home once your current one sells, but it also provides the kind of clean slate look that attracts buyers. You'll be amazed at the difference purging unwanted and unnecessary items and putting the rest in storage will make. You can also take this strategy one step further and completely move out before the home goes on the market.
Rent Furniture
Another benefit of moving out is that you can rent a few key pieces of top-quality furniture for the purpose of putting your home in its best possible light. You don't have to furnish the entire place — think striking, strategically placed statement pieces designed to spark the imaginations of potential buyers who are looking at the home.
Ready to make the move? Don't hesitate to contact me for more information on strategies designed to make your upcoming home sale go as quickly and smoothly as possible.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
