Selling your Georgia home? Boost its appeal with home staging. Staged homes sell faster and often for more money. Staging enhances appearance, functionality, and buyer appeal.
A survey found that 83% of buyers' agents believe staging helps buyers envision living in the home, and 22% of sellers' agents noted increased offers of 1% to 5% for staged homes compared to unstaged ones.
Whether you're a homeowner or an agent, these insights are invaluable. But how do you stage your home effectively? What are the recommended procedures and tips to follow? And what about the cost of staging your home?
In this guide, we'll share top Georgia home staging tips for a quick, profitable sale.
Home Staging In Georgia: Why It’s Important?
In Georgia's competitive real estate market, where demand is high, but supply is low, home staging is crucial.
With a median home value of $319,330 in July 2023 (a 4.8% increase from the previous year) and a 25.1% drop in available homes, buyers have limited choices and are selective.
Buyers seek move-in-ready homes, making it essential to stand out and highlight your property's strengths while downplaying weaknesses.
Home staging achieves this, creating a positive first impression, appealing to a broader range of buyers, and minimizing the risk of price reductions or lowball offers.
Ultimately, it accelerates the sale of your home in Georgia's competitive market.
How Much Does It Cost to Stage Your Home in Georgia?
Home staging costs in Georgia vary based on factors like home size, condition, staging needs, contract duration, and stager availability. On average, it ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, with $2,500 as the typical cost. However, these are estimates and actual expenses can differ.
Alternatively, you can opt for DIY staging, using your own or rented furniture and accessories. This saves money but demands your time, design sense, and furniture arrangement skills to maximize space and create an inviting atmosphere.
Consider home staging an investment, not just an expense. A study by the Real Estate Staging Association found staged homes sell 73% faster and for 17% more than non-staged homes. Spending on staging can lead to quicker sales and higher profits.
If you want to avoid listing your home on the MLS and want to avoid staging all together, you might consider selling your property to a local cash investor. This is particularly valuable if you need to sell quickly for personal or financial reasons. Contact a trusted cash buyer for your Georgia home, compare services and request a cash offer on your property.
What Are Some Georgia Home Staging Tips?
Let’s take you through the top Georgia home staging tips to make your property irresistible to potential buyers.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
One of the first steps in staging your home is to declutter and depersonalize the space.
Remove any personal items, such as family photos and memorabilia, excess furniture, and any items that make the space feel crowded, as they can distract potential buyers from envisioning themselves in the space.
Additionally, decluttering your home will make it appear more spacious and inviting. Create a clean, blank canvas, and allow buyers to envision their own life in the home. Consider renting a storage unit if necessary to temporarily store excess belongings.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home sets the tone for what potential buyers can expect inside. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can significantly impact its marketability.
Enhance your curb appeal by:
Landscaping: Maintain a well-groomed yard with trimmed bushes and fresh mulch. Plant colorful flowers to add vibrancy.
Paint: Touch up the exterior if needed, focusing on the front door. A fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference.
Lighting: Ensure outdoor lighting is functional and welcoming. Properly lit exteriors create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Add an inviting color, add plants by the entrance, maintain your lawn, clean windows & gutters, and ensure your roof is in good condition.
3. Neutralize Colors
While bold colors may be your personal preference, it’s essential to create a neutral canvas that appeals to a broader range of buyers.
Repaint walls with neutral tones to make your home more universally appealing. Neutral colors create a sense of spaciousness and allow buyers to imagine their own style.
Repaint any brightly colored walls with neutral tones such as whites, grays, or beiges. This will allow potential buyers to envision their furniture and decor in the space.
4. Clean & Repair
Home staging aims to present your home as well-cared for and in tip-top shape. This involves thorough cleaning, from floors to appliances, leaving no corner untouched.
Equally important is addressing minor problems like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose knobs, or cracked tiles.
It’s not necessary to invest heavily in major renovations. Rather, it’s vital to ensure everything works and looks presentable.
If your residence is a well-maintained home, it is more likely to attract actual buyers and create a positive impression.
5. Rearrange and Accessorize
How you arrange your furniture and add accessories significantly influences how buyers view your home. Optimize space by arranging furniture for a smooth flow, and remove bulky pieces to avoid crowding.
Infuse personality with colorful, textured accessories like pillows, throws, rugs, curtains, plants, candles, artwork, or books. Strive for a balanced touch – don't overdo it, keep it minimalistic for a tasteful look.
5. Highlight Key Features
Every home has unique features that set it apart from others on the market. Identify these key features and highlight them during the staging process.
For example, if your home has a beautiful fireplace or stunning views, arrange the furniture to draw attention to these elements.
6. Focus on the Kitchen
Kitchens are a major selling point. Ensure yours shines:
Countertops: Keep them clear to showcase space. Remove small appliances and clutter.
Appliances: Ensure they're clean and in good working order. Consider upgrading or repairing any appliances that are outdated or malfunctioning.
Cabinets: Consider a fresh coat of paint or new hardware. This can transform the look of your kitchen without a major renovation.
7. Create an Inviting Atmosphere
Aim to make your home feel warm and inviting:
Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting to create a cozy ambiance. Replace harsh fluorescent bulbs with soft white or warm white LED bulbs.
Textures: Add soft textures through throws, pillows, and area rugs. Layering textures can make your home feel luxurious and comfortable.
Scent: A pleasant, subtle fragrance can make a big difference. Consider using scented candles or essential oil diffusers to create a welcoming scent.
8. Let There Be Light
Buyers love bright, airy spaces. A well-lit home is more appealing to potential buyers than a dark and gloomy one.
Open up curtains and blinds to let natural light flood into each room. Clean windows to ensure they sparkle.
Consider trimming bushes or trees that block light from entering the home. You can also add strategic lighting fixtures to brighten up darker areas of your home.
9. Stage Each Room Purposefully
Each room in your home should have a clear purpose that resonates with potential buyers. Properly staged rooms help buyers understand how they can use the space.
For example, if you have an extra bedroom that you’ve been using as a storage space, stage it as a guest room or home office instead.
If you've been using the dining room as an office, convert it back to its original function. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not a storage space.
9. Invest in Professional Photography
High-quality photos are a must in the digital age. Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer to capture your staged home at its best. Professional photos can attract more potential buyers and make your listing stand out online.
10. Pay Attention to Details
Small details can make a big difference when it comes to staging your home effectively.
Pay attention to details such as freshening up paint, replacing outdated fixtures, and ensuring all appliances are in working order.
These small investments can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of your home’s overall condition.
Conclusion
Follow these Georgia home staging tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making your home sell faster. Selling your Georgia home faster and for a better price is achievable through expert home staging and the support of a reliable real estate partner.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner for selling your Georgia home, consider reaching out to local real estate agents who have experience in the area. They can provide valuable insights specific to the Georgia market and help guide you through the selling process.
