But bathrooms can also be tricky. The fixtures are just that -- fixed. It's expensive to move them. And replacing tilework or outdated bathtubs is costly.
However, bathrooms — their size, style, and practicality — are major considerations in any homebuyer's decision. Here are my six ways to come closer to buyers' wants, no matter how your bathroom looks today.
Make it shine
The cleaner your bath is, the newer and more desirable it looks.
Relocate or discard what isn't essential daily while your home is on the market. Extra toilet paper? Wall decor? Floor mats? Just set them outside the room while you deep-clean it.
Wipe down all washable surfaces. There are numerous products and tools on the market to deal with mold, soap scum, mineral buildup, and stains. Don't forget to clean light fixtures, windows, and doors.
Dream big
Before you return items like the wastebasket, towels, and toiletries to the room, take a fresh look around. What are its most desirable qualities? The tub? The vanity? The lighting? The shower? Start your staging to show off what will impress buyers. Think like the owner of a luxurious spa or high-end VRBO, and keep clutter away from your bath's best features. Just don't make the toilet the focal point.
When you clean, take note of any signs of leakage or poor drainage. These are the kinds of things a home inspector will mark as defects in his report. If there are wet spots under the sink, a toilet that's not flushing properly, or signs of mold around the tub, consider calling in a plumber. Depending on where you live, hourly rates for plumbing repairs range from $45 to $200. It's better to fix plumbing problems now instead of losing a sale or having to lower your selling price. I'd rather hire a pro than risk DIY plumbing repairs.
Choose colors
The smaller your bathroom is, the fewer colors you should be using. The walls will be your major color, and your accessories your secondary one. Clean colors are best. Think white, plus blues and greens.
Using neutral colors is homestaging's Golden Rule. Don't be persuaded by shelter magazines and decorating influencers to paint walls an "interesting" color, or to wallpaper. Make it easy for the new homeowners to add their preferred decor choices. Here is my foolproof method for choosing a wall color that ensures a seamless look for your bathroom.
White bath fixtures are your safest bet. But if you are replacing just a toilet or sink, match it to the tub, which is probably going to stay.
Once you have the basics clean and safe, you can add some of your own touches. Here are my four favorite DIY ways to dress up your bathroom.
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| This navy blue vanity adds one strong dose of color to an all-white room. An oversized mirror and a plant make this bath an example of perfect staging. Photo: CheriFromTexas |
Scale back storage
Everyone wants to keep extra towels, plus toiletries and cleaning supplies handy in the bathroom. But a lack of storage space in the bathroom isn't a deal breaker. The new people will find their own ways to add it, like shelving, hooks, baskets, rods, ledges, organizers, or carts.
If you do have shelving, a roomy vanity, or other storage features in your bathroom, be sure they are not just tidy, but staged to impress. Keep medicines and valuables locked away. Keep highly personal products out of sight. You will have to remind yourself that it's only temporary!
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| Often extra space can be found between studs in the wall, perfect for some floating shelves like these. |
Impress buyers
Every home should have some wow factors. Is there anything about your bath that is especially impressive? Attention-getting upgrades don't have to cost much. Home improvement centers have plenty of options for stylish countertops, vanities, mirrors, and light fixtures.
Consider a statement mirror or sconces. Or an electric towel warmer, a wall-mounted magnifying makeup mirror, or a fancy showerhead. Your luxury touches needn't be trendy. Sometimes, one-of-a-kind or vintage accessories have the most impact.
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| This vignette takes up little space but goes a long way towards creating a spa-like mood. |
Add finishing touches
Due to their numerous hard surfaces, bathrooms often feel cold and sterile. You can inject some warmth by adding some objects with personality. Cozy it up with plush towels, and some natural textures like wicker and wood. I always like to see a plant, living or artificial in every staged room. Don't forget that a bathroom needs to smell good, and because of many people's chemical sensitivities, using natural aromas is best. Do not use chemical fragrance plug-ins.
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| Adding just a few well-chosen accessories like these makes your simple bathroom look special. Photo: CrystalMontenegroHome |
Get the look, get the book
Your bathroom may not have a double sink, a built-in linen closet, and a separate toilet or shower, but there's still plenty you can do now to make it a selling feature. Put some time and effort, and some imagination into it, and you're well on your way to getting that purchase offer!
Need more tips for making your home more marketable? Then, don't leave before you download my homestaging ebook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Make Your Home Sell Fast for Top Dollar. I'll show you all the tricks of the homestaging trade, saving you time and money.
Top Photo: Desiree Burnes Interiors
