Reston Home Insider: Why staging matters

In an industry like real estate, where first impressions can make all the difference, it’s easy to see how staging has become an integral part of the selling process. Yes, even in this sellers’ market!

How does staging help?

Staging can make the space feel bigger and transforms it into looking brand new. That’s why buyers will pay top dollar. Staging highlights the home’s best features and the home’s potential.

First-time buyer Alissa Cauley had the following to say: “As a first-time homebuyer, I was so excited to decorate my new place — new couches, chairs and tables! But I will be honest I didn’t know where to start. Walking into my future home and seeing it staged made ALL the difference. Staging lets you picture your new life in your new home. Picturing where you will be laying while watching TV, and how to make your place look bigger than it is, really helps. Staging takes the stress out of figuring out where you should put furniture and decorations and lets you really enjoy your move. I love my new place, and I will say, the staging absolutely had a part in that. It was the reason I chose the home over others that were vacant or cluttered with the owners’ belongings.”

What are my staging options?

The process of searching for a home always starts online. It’s important your home looks inviting to “online shoppers.” Professional photography can determine whether or not a future buyer will tour your home. There are a few ways to stage your home, from hiring a professional staging company to virtual staging, which is incredibly affordable. Or you might stage the home yourself, using your own furniture and adding fresh items such as on-trend throw pillows and artwork.

Staging tips:

1. Declutter and depersonalize: Remove items that aren’t integral to everyday life and remove family photos. This helps buyers envision themselves living in your home.
2. Eliminate bad odors: Odors can turn buyers off the second they walk through your front door. It’s a complete turnoff! Whether it’s an air freshener or an animal smell, it’s important not to cover it up. Replace air duct filters, deep clean rugs and carpets, and clean walls and baseboard to eliminate any lingering odors from pets or everyday life. You might consider hiring a professional to remove more intense odors.
3. Increase light: Open curtains, pull the blinds to the top of the window and consider painting dark rooms a light, neutral color. Floor and table lamps are helpful, too, and remember to turn all the lights on before showings.
4. Add “light staging” items: Lots of throw pillows on a king-size bed will make the room look complete and cozy. Add some on-trend artwork and plants — real or fake, either work well to fill up the space and bring more life to a room.

Lynn Cooper is a licensed REALTOR in Virginia with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Whether buying or selling, Lynn is 100% committed to her clients before, during, and after the transaction. Connect with Lynn at 202-489-7894, [email protected] or @lyncooperrealestate.