When selling your property, taking the time to stage the interior can have serious benefits when attracting a buyer’s interest. There’s more that goes into staging than a general straightening up if you want to reap all the rewards when selling. Staging will set the scene for your buyer to envision themselves living within the space. It will create a focused, purposeful design for each space, and the professional stager will carefully select and arrange furniture and decor that complements the style and sophistication of your home. So, before listing your Orinda home for sale, read on for top tips from Orinda Realtor and Local Resident, Christina Linezo.
Clean and declutter all rooms
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The first step to take when preparing your home for the Orinda real estate market is to deep clean all areas. A clean property is a well-maintained property in a buyer’s mind, which means they’ll be more likely to seriously consider making an offer. Start by mopping and sweeping all floors, vacuuming and removing stains from the carpets, and dusting off areas like shelves and cabinets. Pay special attention to spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, which are typically focal points in a buyer’s tour. Also, be sure to wipe off fingerprints and water stains from windows, glass furniture, and steel appliances.
If your Orinda home is on the smaller side, it is especially important to declutter each room. Clutter makes a space appear smaller than it is, and it distracts buyers from the features of the property. Sort through belongings that you no longer want or need, like extra clothing or shoes, kitchen appliances, or decoration pieces. Then, decide which items to donate, sell, or throw away.
If your storage spaces like cabinets and closets are still full after decluttering, consider renting out a storage unit to keep your items temporarily. This will help rooms stay open and help buyers imagine how they can fill up the closets and cabinets with their own belongings. If you decide to keep any personal clothes or other items in your closets and cabinets, make sure they are organized and tidy, as buyers are likely to look in those areas.
Depersonalize the space
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When staging your property to sell, removing yourself from the space helps buyers picture the property as their own. To depersonalize, take down items like photos of families and friends, souvenirs, and everyday items like bathroom or kitchen necessities. Also, remove unique pieces of decoration and statement pieces of furniture that might not appeal to a buyer’s taste. In the same vein, paint over any accent walls with a neutral color.
When redecorating, concentrate on simple and neutral choices. Repaint walls with colors like white, gray, or light brown. Choose decoration pieces that are simple and modern, and replace or cover up furniture pieces you’re unsure of with neutral pieces or slipcovers. Then add modest pops of color with fresh flowers, a throw pillow, or a piece of wall art.
Keep rooms bright
Let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds and curtains, or removing the curtains altogether. Make sure all of the lightbulbs are functioning, and for a more consistent look, use the same color temperature and wattage of the bulb in each room. Dust off light fixtures to maximize light, or upgrade them if they’re broken or dated. Having ample light in a room creates an inviting ambiance when showing the property to potential buyers.
Decide which rooms to stage
There are several considerations to make when deciding which areas of your property to stage. If you don’t have time to stage every room, then focusing on areas like the kitchen, living room, and the master bedroom is a good place to start. Ultimately, when staging, it’s important to show the buyer that each space has a purpose and cohesive style. Read on for a deeper dive into how to stage three important areas of your Orinda real estate.
When staging a kitchen
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To buyers, kitchens are a place to cook and socialize. Stage your kitchen by clearing off counter spaces. Remove dish racks, coffee makers, and toasters, and then thoroughly wipe down all areas. To touch up cabinets without replacing them, consider repainting them or switching out the hardware for a modern look. Then, add little décor choices like a vase of flowers.
When staging a living room
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Living rooms are important, as they serve as a focal point of the house and a social gathering spot where memories are made. Make your living room appear comfortable by selectively adding textures and colors to the room. Although the room should be clear of clutter, don’t strip back too much, as it’ll have the opposite effect. Also, focus on the natural pathways of the room, and rearrange, remove, or replace any furniture that blocks these pathways.
When staging a primary bedroom
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A buyer looking at Orinda homes for sale will pay special attention to the primary bedroom, as a sleeping space is a little haven from the hustle and bustle of life. Stage the bedroom to appear as comfortable as possible with soft materials and gentle textures. Choose design options that don’t dip too far into masculine or feminine preferences. Also, keep the bedroom clear of dirty clothes, and clean off the clutter on a bedside table to complete the look.
Ready to stage your Orinda real estate?
There’s a lot to think about when staging your property successfully, from cleaning to decluttering to design choices. With these tips, you’re ready to stage your property to sell. If you need help selling your property in Orinda, contact top Orinda real estate agent Christina Linezo to guide you through the process. From residential homes to prime land, Christina Linezo is the Orinda Realtor you want to be working with.
