5 Home Staging Tips to Get Ready for the Naperville Spring Real Estate Market
Are you noticing signs of life returning to your yard, neighboring garden or park? As the flowers blossom, it’s a reassuring reminder that new beginnings are around the corner, especially in real estate. The warmer temperatures will have many homeowners flirting with the idea of listing their home on the real estate market, so competition could be stiff. That’s why you’ll want to use home staging as a tactic to stand out amongst the competition and sell quickly this spring!
A homeowner can get so used to seeing their home “as is” that it becomes difficult for them to view their home objectively. Even if your client’s say they updated the space recently, ask for a time frame when the work was complete. Homeowners tend to lose track of time. What may feel like only a few years to them could very well be decades ago. Have your client’s critique each room of the house as a buyer would. Use a notepad and take pictures to see the room from a different perspective. Make a to-do list of things that need attention that takes into consideration these five home staging tips for spring:
Make Necessary Repairs
Turn the to-do list into the done list. After the seller goes through the home to address any repairs, both cosmetic and structural, that could hinder the sale prioritize each project based on the biggest return on investment and maximum impact. Consider painting the walls if the paint is over a decade old. Replace dirty carpets with a neutral-toned carpet or if the budget allows, splurge on hardwood. A great tool to use is the HomeGain’s Seller Tools, to see what projects sellers can complete to improve the property and compete with a specific market.
Actions Speak Louder than Words
Remove anything no longer needed, wanted or loved in a home on the market. This will not only begin the de-cluttering process, but it puts a home seller in a mindset to start packing and will provide less stress when it comes time for moving day. If a home seller feels overwhelmed with this process have them start small or hire help.
Add Seasonal Décor
Many times homeowners forget to change their décor for each season. Just make sure home sellers are mindful that when on the market they should remove holiday decor, especially Christmas lights –you’d be surprised how many people leave them on display until spring. Use a few accessories and colors to embrace the particular season. Use foliage or flowers to add easy no-fuss freshness to any room. One of the easiest ways to dress up your couch for each season is with throw pillows. In the image above, Chicagoland Home Stagers chose to highlight this soft blue from the painting throughout the room.
Make Each Room Light + Bright
Buyers love to see light and bright spaces. Sellers can easily accomplish this by choosing light paint colors, removing old blinds, heavy curtains, and washing the windows. Also, during a showing make sure all the lights are on in each room.
Boost Curb Appeal
Many times sellers overlook curb appeal, especially in the spring. Make sure to cut back overgrown weeds, shrubs, and trees. Consider power washing the front porch and add seasonal flowers near the doorway with color to share some cheer for those dreary days. Assess driveway cracks and gutters too, the winter can cause havoc on your home’s exterior. Don’t forget to display a welcome mat, as well as, a wreath on the front door.
Need help staging a home this spring? Contact us today! We’d be more than happy to assist you with your home staging needs.