House Preparation for Sale: Planned Cleanouts Can Maximize Your Profits

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. That's why house preparation for sale is such an important task. One effective way to make your home more appealing to potential buyers is to stage it.

Staging can help buyers imagine themselves living in your home, and can even increase the value of your home. But how much does it cost to stage a house? And how can you stage your home cheaply? In this article, we'll answer those questions and more.

House Selling Checklist

Before we get into the details of home staging, let's take a look at the basic checklist for preparing your house for sale:

1. Clean and declutter: Remove personal items and any clutter to make your home look more spacious and inviting.
2. Make repairs and improvements: Take care of any maintenance issues and make any necessary upgrades.
3. Consider curb appeal: Make sure the outside of your home looks inviting and well-maintained.
4. Neutralize your décor: Paint walls a neutral color and remove any overly personalized decorations. Stage your home: Arrange furniture and décor to showcase your home's best features.

Planned Cleanouts Can Maximize Profits When Selling

Real Estate Leader, Scott Wurtzbacher, provides insight into how to to maximize your profits when selling your home. His three simple tricks to get the most bang for your buck is to clean, declutter and repaint your home. It's that simple! Check out our video for more details:

House Preparation by Cleaning

Cleaning your home thoroughly is essential before putting it on the market. Here are some areas to focus on:

Deep Cleaning: A deep clean is a must before selling a home. This includes dusting all surfaces, cleaning floors, and wiping down appliances. Don't forget to clean the windows and light fixtures as well.

Clearing Out Clutter: Decluttering is the process of removing excess items from your home. It's important to get rid of anything that doesn't serve a purpose or is taking up unnecessary space. This can include old clothes, unused furniture, and anything that's collecting dust. For a quicker cleanout, book a dumpster rental to toss out all your junk and save yourself the trip to the dump.

Depersonalizing: Personal touches like family photos and memorabilia can make it hard for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. It's essential to remove these items and create a neutral environment.

Staging Companies and Home Staging Companies

If you decide to go for traditional staging, there are many staging companies that can help you transform your home into a buyer's dream. With the help of professional staging companies, you can transform your space into a desirable and inviting environment that leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers.

These companies offer a range of services, including furniture rental, decor selection, and accessories placement, to create a cohesive and visually appealing look. When choosing a staging company, it's crucial to do your research and find a reputable provider that aligns with your budget and style preferences. A well-executed staging can make all the difference in helping your home stand out in a competitive real estate market.

Here's a list of some staging companies to kickstart your own research:

• Showhomes
• Stucco
• Meridith Baer
• Baron Design

How Much Does It Cost to Stage a House?

The cost of staging a house can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the number of rooms you want staged, and the level of service you're looking for. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average cost of staging a home is $1,800.

However, this cost can vary depending on the size of the home and the extent of the staging. Here are a few of the costs you might encounter:

• Consultation fee: Some staging companies charge a consultation fee for their initial visit, during which they'll provide recommendations for staging your home.
• Rental fee for furniture and décor: Depending on the company, you may be charged a rental fee for the furniture and décor used in your home staging.
• Delivery and setup fee: If the staging company is responsible for delivering and setting up the furniture and décor, you may be charged an additional fee.
• Monthly fee: If your home takes longer to sell than expected, you may be charged a monthly fee to continue the home staging.

The total cost of staging a house can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the services you choose.

Staging Your House on a Budget

If you're on a tight budget, there are ways to stage your home without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips:

• Use what you already have: Rearrange your existing furniture and décor to showcase your home's best features.
• Rent furniture: Instead of buying new furniture, consider renting pieces to fill in gaps or add a pop of color.
• Add fresh flowers: A simple vase of fresh flowers can add a touch of elegance to any room.
• Focus on key areas: Rather than staging your entire home, focus on the rooms that will have the biggest impact on potential buyers, such as the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen.

What Should You Not Do When Staging a House?

While there are many things you can do to stage your home effectively, there are also a few things to avoid. Here are some staging don'ts:

• Don't over-decorate: Keep décor simple and neutral, and avoid over-accessorizing.
• Don't forget about lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in how a room looks and feels.
• Don't neglect the exterior: Curb appeal is important, so make sure the outside of your home looks inviting and well-maintained.
• Don't forget to depersonalize: Remove any personal items, such as family photos or memorabilia, to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space.

What is Soft Staging?

Soft staging is a more affordable alternative to traditional home staging. Rather than bringing in furniture and décor, soft staging involves using minimal furniture and decor, such as pillows, throws, and artwork, to create a more welcoming and inviting space. Soft staging can be a good option if you're on a tight budget, or if you're selling an empty apartment or home. It can help potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space without distracting from the features of the home itself.

House preparation for sale is an essential part of the home selling process, and staging your home can help make it more appealing to potential buyers. It's an effective way of getting your house off the market, even in the winter! While the cost of staging a house can vary, there are ways to stage your home cheaply, such as rearranging your existing furniture and décor, adding fresh flowers, and focusing on key areas.

Remember to avoid over-decorating, neglecting lighting and the exterior of your home, and forgetting to depersonalize. And if you're on a tight budget, consider soft staging as a more affordable option. With these tips, you can stage your home for maximum impact and increase your chances of a successful sale.