Small Strategic Updates and Expert Staging
Can Yield Big Results When Selling a Home
Article + Photos courtesy of Jen Zweiacker, Zweiacker & Associates
Home sellers often wonder whether to update their home before selling or sell it in its current condition. When thinking about updating, it can be challenging to know where to start and even more importantly, where to stop.
There are several essential things to consider when deciding: how potential buyers will view your property and the potential return on your investment. The majority of buyers (and people, in general) are time impoverished. This means that they are looking for a move-in ready home that doesn’t need many projects. Additionally, many buyers find it difficult to envision what a home will look like after making even the most simple improvements. They often imagine that it will cost much more to complete updates than the true cost. For the reasons listed above, real estate experts agree that strategic updates, especially when combined with home staging result, in homes selling more quickly and for more money.
If your home is well-maintained but feels a bit outdated, here are a few easy and inexpensive improvements that can yield big results:
Paint Your Fireplace – If you live in a home with lower ceilings and have a fireplace with darker or outdated brick, painting your fireplace can brighten the room and create a lovely focal point. Be sure to declutter and have a few well-placed items to accent the fireplace and draw the potential buyer’s eye to your updated new focal point.
Improve Lighting – A bright, open space feels larger and more inviting. If you have lower ceilings or a darker space, you might consider adding recessed lighting. Depending on the room’s location and what is above the space, each recessed light costs approximately $125-175. Lamps are also incredibly valuable for creating a “finished look” in a staged space.
Neutral Paint – Bright paint colors, accent walls, and wallpaper are all taste-specific choices that are fun for homeowners living in their homes. And yet, when it is time to sell, a neutral palette can make it easier for a buyer to envision themselves living in the space. It also makes the space feel larger and more cohesive. Suppose you are considering painting the entire interior. In that case, you may want to get the advice of an expert who will consider trim color, cabinetry, lighting, etc. to help choose the best neutral color.
Freshen Cabinetry – Whether it is kiddos, family pets, or just everyday living, cabinetry tends to show its age. A great way to freshen up your stained cabinetry is to purchase furniture stain pens, closely match the color of your cabinetry stain and touch up any worn areas. Follow up with a wood conditioner or oil. Another great solution is to paint your cabinetry. It costs less than many people expect and produces a great result that can completely refresh a room!
Expert Staging – Many people who have sold homes in the past without staging wonder what the value of staging is. First, staging and decorating are two different things. Staging is about telling a story. It is about drawing the potential buyer’s eye to where we want it to go. A staging expert will not ask a buyer to “declutter” their home. Instead, they work with the client to “edit” existing spaces to help them feel more spacious, carefully and intentionally place items to guide where a buyer looks in both photographs and in person.
Real estate experts agree that a well-staged home will sell more quickly and for more money.
If you look closely, the “Before and After” photos show the same room with the same flooring and paint. The only differences are the painted fireplace and the staging. This is an excellent example of how strategic, small improvements and expert staging combine to create an elevated look that can yield great results for a seller.
Do you have a question about home ownership or real estate?
Please feel free to contact Jen Zweiacker at 979.450.0455
or visit Zweiacker & Associates at zarealestate.com