Halloween is just around the corner. For many homeowners, that means carving pumpkins, hanging up Halloween decorations, and stocking up on fun-sized candy. But if you’re a homeowner in Plymouth, Canton, or Northville Michigan who is thinking about selling this fall season, you might be preparing your home for buyers instead of trick-or-treaters.
Home staging is a crucial part of home selling preparation. According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2015 Profile of Home Staging, 32% of buyers’ agents and 37% of sellers’ agents believe that a staged home increases the amount buyers are willing to pay up to 5%. On a $200,000 property, that’s $10,000!
But is your home effectively staged to sell? If you are preparing your home yourself, beware of these staging mistakes that scare away home buyers — and potentially thousands of dollars.
1. A Dark and Spooky Entryway
Your front entry is one of the first things buyers notice about your home. Peeling paint, deep shadows, and uninviting colors don’t create the best first impression. Turn your front entryway into a focal point by painting your door a bright color that complements your home.
2. Cobwebs in the Corners
At a showing, buyers are going to inspect virtually everything: light fixtures, closets, ceilings, you name it. Thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom (or hire a professional) to make it look like new. You can always ask a friend or neighbor to take an objective look at your home.
3. Startling Colors on Your Walls
The goal of home staging, besides selling your home for top dollar, is to help buyers visualize themselves living in your home. If you have bold, bright colors on your walls, switch to more neutral colors to appeal to all potential buyers.
4. Menacing Halloween Decorations
Staging your home for Halloween is fine in moderation. But remember, not all buyers will think the fake spiderwebs or rubber arms are festive. Unless the headless horseman himself is buying your home, it’s best to keep him out of your front yard.
5. Hovering Like a Ghost During Showings
How you present your home when it’s on the market goes hand-in-hand with home staging. Make your home available and make yourself scarce during showings. Potential buyers might find it creepy if the current homeowner is lurking somewhere in the shadows.
Thinking of Selling Your Home This Fall?
It can be scary to think about finding the right home or putting your home on the market. We have a wealth of tips and resources for sellers just like you who want their home sold quickly and for top dollar. You probably have questions about the home buying or selling process. We have the answers you need — no strings attached. Please reach out to us at team@bittinger.com or (734) 459-2600. You can also attend our weekly real estate chats, which are every Thursday night at our office in Canton.
No strings. Just honest answers. It’s all about you!
Until next time,
Noel
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