STOP! Don't List Your Home for Sale Before Doing These 10 Things
As long as your home has been cared for, selling your Oxford home fairly quickly isn’t a huge feat. As of December 2024, homes in Oxford, MS were selling at around 110 days on market. That’s pretty quick for the winter months!
But selling quickly AND getting the best possible price for your home requires some strategy. One of the elements of that strategy is staging your home. By thoughtfully preparing your property, you can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home and make your home more appealing and marketable.
You may be wondering if all of this is really necessary, but the right preparation can greatly improve your potential for higher offers and even multiple offers.
I’m excited to share some essential home staging tips you should consider before you list for the world to see.
1. ENHANCE CURB APPEAL
First impressions matter, AND you only get one chance at it. Ensure your home’s exterior is inviting is an absolute MUST. You can do this by:
- Pressure washing the exterior of your home (including front porch, back porch/patio, and windows.
- Mowing the lawn and trimming hedges (keep it this way through closing day).
- Adding seasonal flowers or plants to your flower beds, front porch, and back patio (don’t forget the area where your mailbox is located).
- Cleaning driveways and walkways.
- Repainting and/or cleaning the front door (choose the option that will yield the best results, even if it means doing both).
A well-maintained exterior sets the tone for what buyers can expect inside.
2. DECLUTTER & DEPERSONALIZE
Create a neutral space where buyers can imagine their own belongings without being overwhelmed and distracted by yours:
- Remove personal photos and memorabilia.
- Clear out excess furniture to make rooms feel larger.
- Organize closets and storage areas.
A tidy, uncluttered home appears more spacious and allows buyers to focus on the property, not the items in it.
It can also imply your move out process will be timely and less intensive since there is not so much “stuff” to deal with.
3. DEEP CLEAN EVERY SPACE
A spotless home suggests it’s been well cared for. This is a step that can be outsourced if you don’t enjoy cleaning or don’t have the time. It’s important to maintain this cleaning throughout the process of selling your home. Bonus: The buyer may not even ask for it to be professionally cleaned if it’s already spic and span.
- Clean windows (inside and out), floors, baseboards, and all surfaces.
- If the walls are dirty, clean them. If they are dusty, use a broom or dust mop to remove the dust.
- Don’t forget to look up. Check for cobwebs in the corners and on the ceiling.
- Eliminate odors by addressing their sources.
- Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
- Don’t forget the dust that collects near the baseboards (on the floor), under beds, etc.
- Minimize the items in the closets.
Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure every nook and cranny shines.
4. NEUTRALIZE COLOR SCHEMES
Appeal to a broader audience by using neutral colors:
- Paint walls in soft, neutral tones like beige, gray, or off-white.
- Use complementary colors for accents and decor.
Neutral palettes allow buyers to envision their own style in the space.
*Ask me about my free download: Best Interior Paint Colors to Sell Your Home for More handout! DM me on Instagram, Facebook or text me!
5. HIGHLIGHT KEY FEATURES
Draw attention to your home’s best attributes:
- Arrange furniture to showcase focal points like fireplaces or large windows.
- Ensure ample lighting in areas you want to emphasize.
Proper staging can make these features stand out, adding value in buyers’ minds.
6. MODERNIZE AND REPAIR
Draw attention to your home’s best attributes:
- Arrange furniture to showcase focal points like fireplaces or large windows.
- Ensure ample lighting in areas you want to emphasize.
Small investments in repairs and updates can prevent low offers or prolonged listing times.
7. CREATE INVITING SPACES
Help buyers feel at home:
- Set the dining table with attractive place settings.
- Arrange fresh flowers in key areas.
- Use plush towels and appealing accessories in bathrooms.
- Use wax wamers or plug-in air fresheners to provide a fresh, pleasing aroma (see below). Avoid scents that are overwhelming and loud.
These touches can evoke a sense of comfort and warmth.
8. OPTIMIZE LIGHTING
Bright homes feel more welcoming:
- Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
- Use mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of space.
- Ensure all light fixtures have working bulbs with appropriate wattage.
Layered lighting, combining ambient, task, and accent lights, can enhance the ambiance.
9. DEFINE EACH ROOM'S PURPOSE
Avoid confusion by clearly staging each area:
- Set up a home office in a small bedroom or nook.
- Arrange the basement as a recreational area.
Defined spaces help buyers understand the full potential of your home.
10. CONSIDER VIRTUAL STAGING
For vacant homes, virtual staging can be a cost-effective solution:
- Use digital tools to furnish and decorate photos of empty rooms.
While this doesn’t remedy an empty home, this approach provides buyers with a visual via digital photographs of how spaces can be utilized without the expense of physical staging.
HOT TIP: I have access to the resources needed to create an inviting virtual space.
Are you considering selling your home? Text or call me at the number below to schedule a time to meet with me. I’ll perform a walk-through of your home to look for any essential repairs that need to be considered, as well as, make suggestions for areas that could benefit from staging.
