Sellers often wonder what all the fuss is about “staging”. Staging is literally what it sounds like—making a home more appealing to the highest number of potential buyers.

Now, don’t get me wrong, you’re not trying to deceive anyone by doing this. Staging techniques focus on improving a property’s appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive product that anyone can see themselves living in.

Put yourselves in the shoes of the buyer—would you consider buying your home if it looked exactly the same way you see it now? Maybe, maybe not. Keep in mind that what you think is an ideal, cozy home may have a completely different look and feel for someone else.

When a potential buyer steps into your home, they should feel at home – that’s the perception you’re aiming to create.

There are different levels of staging—it all depends on how much time you have and the budget you are working with. Regardless of the budget, there are some things you can accomplish for free! Yes, free staging. This is what I like to call the 3-D Effect—Declutter, Depersonalize and Decorate!

DECLUTTER

Your home may have things organized in a manner that works for you. Now, is that considered clutter? Not exactly, but clutter is essentially anything that makes your home look unorganized, too cramped, and makes the rooms look too busy. If you’ve got furniture that covers every inch of your floor, or pictures and art work covering all your walls, or even too many colours within a particular room—that’s considered clutter.

If there’s too much going on in a room or too much stuff covering every inch of it, you’re hiding the features of your home. Buyers want to see what the home offers, not all your furniture and keepsakes. So, let’s start with decluttering the space. Keep only the furniture that fits into the space and ensure you can see the room beyond the furniture. Buyers want to see how a room can be functionally used. Nothing more and nothing less.

DEPERSONALIZE

You might have a lot of furniture and personal keepsakes everywhere in your home. Buyers want to see how they fit into the home. They don’t care to see how many trips you’ve been on and anything that is personal to you. Depersonalizing keeps the house neutral and creates an impersonal look. Buyers can easily be distracted by the photos on your walls and mantel. Do you think it matters that the buyers see how many awards and certificates you’ve received? Not in the slightest. Depersonalize and let’s show them the house.

DECORATE

Now, this is where you may want to consider your budget. Staging can become costly, but it does definitely have its share of positives. It can help you sell faster and for a higher price. Staging costs are usually recouped during the sale of the property. Be smart, be tasteful and create that special appeal that makes the buyers hearts melt as soon as they step inside your home. Use very simple tactics to create color, light and texture and create the ambiance desired.

So whether you’re in the market or thinking about it down the road, when selling your home the 3-D effect will get you the most bang for your buck!