Maybe it's been a long time since you were on the purchasing end of a new home. In this post I'll help you tap into the mindset of today's buyers.
Look to the future
While a buyer's Realtor is pointing out the various features and any possible faults of your home, the buyer is thinking ahead. For most people, a home purchase is their biggest investment. Statistics show that Americans move every eight years. They want to be confident that the home will appreciate in value during the time they live there. Their Realtor and a home inspector will advise them if the property is structurally sound and priced fairly. In other words, a good investment.
People shopping for a home look for a well-built one in a stable neighborhood to guarantee they are making a sound decision. Photo: Apartment Therapy
Buyers will factor in what future needs they will have, especially if they are retirees or a young family. They may be asking, "Can the dining room become my home office?" or "Would this bedroom make a good playroom?" or "Could this basement be turned into a home gym?"
A well-staged room will suggest to buyers more than one purpose. Your staging can show the flexibility of your rooms by staging them to look spacious but not empty, uncluttered but not boring.
Make sure your Realtor has all the facts about about your home, especially the desirable ones, like a new HVAC, or a recent roof. It shows transparency and builds the buyer's trust.
Add a new color
Interior decorating styles run in 20- to 30-year cycles. Since buyers want a home that remains appealing over time, your home can't look out of sync with the times. Ideally your walls, for example will be painted in a color that is at the beginning of a trend. One palette color that brings a modern interpretation of classic style is one based on a cool-toned palette of five shades: white, grey, dusty blue, navy, and charcoal.
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| Greys are always versatile. Accessories like upholstered pieces and flowers add some bright colors to this entryway. |
So, when you stage, painting your walls these tones, and adding decorative accents in these tones will update your home, making it look fresh rather than outdated. These versatile colors can also pair well with a variety of materials, allowing homeowners to personalize their rooms once they move in.
Painting walls in your home doesn't mean you'll need to empty the room of furniture first. You'll require only a 3- or 4-foot wide space around the perimeter, enough so you can move around the room on a dropcloth with a 5-gallon bucket of paint and a roller on a long handle. Here are my best tips for painting a room yourself.
Choose thrifty updates
Look for the updates that make the most sense, the economical ones that deliver the biggest bang for your buck.
If you haven't invested in new furniture in 25 years, your rooms may look boring and neglected. But there are still ways to give a facelift to out-of-style furnishings. Lucky you if your home is a one of those classic 70's houses, or a Mid Century Modern ranch style building, an authentic 1800's Victorian gem, or a charming farmhouse cottage. Some buyers can be nostalgic about these properties. But they still like to see some signs that you house has been given attention over time.
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| Some elements from the 70s withstand the decorators' test of time, like this rattan bar cart, the oversized art, the shaggy rug, and the big houseplants. Photo: K. Shan Design |
I've blogged about how you can stage with older furniture. For example, that old headboard or end table can take on a modern look with a coat of paint in a fresh color. Older upholstered pieces can be slipcovered with over-the-counter covers.
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| Fresh, luxurious bedding helps buyers imagine themselves living in the home. Photo: Eastern Accents |
Get the look, get the book
Staging your home shouldn't call for a renovation. Well-chosen, small updates are the key to impressing buyers without breaking your budget. You can easily follow more staging tips in my home staging eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar! Download it now and start getting your home ready for serious buyers!
Top Photo: Laura Casey
