Across Canada, housing prices are rising steadily this year. In July in the GTA, sales rose by a shocking 16.4% compared to July 2012. Not only were there substantially more homes sold over the past year, but the average house price climbed by 7.9%. All home stagers would agree that if you want to join this trend and make a profit off your home, you have to make it look the part. If you want your house to look like it's worth every penny of what you hope to get for it, sprucing up your home and home staging is a must. Here are some tips to get you started on making your home look its very finest.
Finish the exterior – Every home has something to fix on the exterior. This can be anything from filling in some missing mulch in the garden to repainting that dated front door or putting on that final piece of trim. Make sure the exterior of the home is welcoming and nicely painted. First impressions are extremely important when it comes to buying a home, and the exterior will give your potential homebuyer exactly that: their first impression.
Lighting – Few things make bolder statements than the lighting in your home. An elegant chandelier in the foyer can create a high-end feeling throughout the entire home. Decorative table lamps in bedrooms and family areas also create warmth; while pot lights give a bit of a luxurious, glamorous feel to rooms.
Depersonalize - Potential homebuyers need to picture themselves in your rooms, and quirky decor and crazy flares may not do the trick. A few personal touches make for a fun showing of your home, but having too many starts to make things feel cluttered. Try and limit the vibrant colours and unconventional furniture to keep the house feeling familiar.
Ensure everything in the home is working and well-maintained - No torn screens, cracked plaster or burnt out lights. You may have gotten used to them, but homebuyers are looking for something they want to live in; not something they can live in. So be sure to tour your home and carefully look over every area, ensuring that all lights, windows, sinks, etc. are all functional and look well-kept. Scents are also important in the home. Some air freshener helps the home feel clean and crisp.
Be size-conscious of fixtures and furniture – Your favorite couch or table may look really good, but if it’s difficult to fit it inside of the room, it is time to say goodbye. Try to include small groupings of furniture to give the room some depth and make it look bigger than it is.
Kitchen, Kitchen, Kitchen – Clear your counters and create a clutter-free environment. A simple vase or bowl adds a personal touch and makes it feel homely; all while maintaining a clean atmosphere. However, I would recommend storing small appliances in the cupboard as this makes the kitchen feel much bigger. You will want to make sure that your appliances are being stored in new-looking cupboards. A simple paint of coat and some new handles makes a huge difference in giving your kitchen a more modern feel. Lastly, if your kitchen doesn’t have a backsplash, all you need is a weekend to do it. Because the backsplash area is so small, you can invest in some gorgeous tiles or glass mosaics to add additional quality to the room.
Fresh linen – All bed linen, towels, curtains, etc. need to be replaced if they do not look new. This is an inexpensive way to introduce some character and style into your home while making it feel fresh and new.
Update the bathroom – Something as simple as a new mirror and shower curtain can make a big difference to potential homebuyers. Some new lights and fixtures can go a long way as well. Try replacing bathroom towel bars with well-designed ones from a designer bath boutique. You can get matched ensembles that include a toilet paper holder, wastebasket, trays, etc. You will be able to update your bathroom for only a couple hundred dollars; which will be worth much more when selling.
Maintain the Master bedroom – A beautiful master bedroom is key to finding a homebuyer. The master bedroom is where a home owner is most connected with: it is the last thing they will see every night, and the first thing they will see every morning. Continue the hotel feel into this room with multiple new pillows, fresh linens, and a throw at the end of the bed. Matching lamps or vases is a great way to bring symmetry into the room and will give the room that designer flare.
Overall, keep your house clean and clutter free, make sure everything is in working condition, and update what you can: whether it be a big project or a small fixture. All the little updates add up and can take a home from livable to lovable.
