Planning to sell your home? If so, it’s time to start thinking about staging. Staging is the process of making your home presentable for photos and tours. It’s not just a matter of decorating; you have to set your home up in a way that looks aesthetically pleasant and universally appealing. This means limiting stylized designs, getting rid of clutter, and focusing on nice, neutral decor.
In the COVID-19 era, however, you have to pay extra attention to how your staging will come across in a digital format. Listing photos, video tours, and other virtual showing options have a major place in a socially distant market. Here are some tips you can use to get your house looking great over the web and in person.
Research Your Market
Get a sense of how other owners are selling online.
- Pay attention to listing descriptions and photography to see what’s working.
- Look at pending listings to see how long they were on the market.
- Research local infection rates to get a sense of your COVID-19 threat.
Focus on the Visuals
Listing photography and virtual tours make a bigger difference now than ever.
- Worried about tours during the pandemic? There are virtual options available.
- Start by talking with your real estate agent about what they’ve seen on the market so far.
- Prepare your home for listing photos so you make a great first impression.
- Make sure your home is decluttered and well-organized. If you need help in this department, the experts at Silver Lining Organizers can help you.
- Host a virtual open house on Facebook Live or Zoom.
- Video and virtual tours are another great way to show your home off from a distance.
Prepare for In-Person Viewings
Digital options may only get you so far — buyers might need to see your home in person.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces before and after showings.
- Ask buyers and agents to wear a mask while inside the house.
- Open doors and turn on lights to help buyers avoid touching surfaces.
Great staging is just one part of the home-selling process, but it can make a big difference. A well-staged house catches buyers’ attention and imagination. Create a home people can picture themselves in, and you’ll have offers in no time.
By Natalie Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash