Preparing a Home for Sale
People are usually very comfortable with the decor in their own home. They have good memories of choosing the paint colors and curtains years ago. Why go for a more neutral look? Wouldn’t this be sort of sterile? And, why not let buyers make their own changes if they want to?
While this makes sense on a logical level, it does not give you what you need on an experiential level. Choosing a home is an emotional decision. Buyers base their decisions on how they feel about the home. A simple, neutral background sets the stage for buyers to immediately visualize themselves in your home.
Here are tips for preparing a home for sale, and the importance of a neutral background.
Study Before
The study had been done in a dark green faux paint. The wood floors were a strong feature, but the walls tended to overpower the room.
Study After
The change to light gray walls and uncovered windows updated the space and added more light. Buyers responded very favorably. They accepted the study.
Bedroom Before
Clearly this room was decorated for a very young child. We see so many children’s rooms with bright colors and specialty curtains. They are really cute, but, of course, they limit the appeal of the room to a buyer with similar needs.
Bedroom After
The light, neutral paint increased the appeal of the room to a wider audience. If buyers see strong colors, they see work. “It’ll take 3 coats to cover that wall!” Again, the buyers accepted the room.
Family Room Before
The country curtains were nice, but they set a style for this room. This style may appeal to some buyers, but reduce appeal to others.
Family Room After
Here, the small change of taking down curtains updated the background and gave a more modern feel. The valances cut the light by about 25% in the room. Buyers responded better to this brighter room. Light is an important aspect of staging a home for sale. Light sells!
Living Room Before
The swag curtains added a certain formal style to this room that would not appeal to all.
Living Room After
This living room benefited by the removal of both the rug and swag curtains. The furnishings are the same. The difference is just a more simplified background, more light, and emphasis on the wood floor.
Master Bath Before
Wallpaper almost always needs to go. It is too busy, too specific, and usually too dated to do you any good. Buyers tend to feel daunted by wallpaper removal. They think it is a big expensive task. If you can get a painter over and get it done, you will benefit by the move-in-ready feel of the home.
Master Bath After
Here is the room with a more simplified, neutral background.
Thank you for visiting post on preparing a home for sale. If you need help in preparing your home for sale, give us a call. We will come over to discuss your options and make suggestions.
You can trust us to help you decide what to do and get it done. We have over 30 years experience in staging homes for sale, and have lots of contractors who can help. Thanks!
