How to edit your home for a buyer

Selling your home can be a daunting and sometimes stressful task. In our Staging Consultations, we often say that a good rule of thumb is to remove 1/3 of your items in your home. Many homeowners wonder, "What do I keep out, and what do I box up?" Here are our top tips on what items must go and why we recommend removing them.

Personal photos
Some people believe that leaving your personal photos up can make the home feel “warm and lived in.”  While leaving your photos up is a personal choice, we have two key reasons to remove your photos - 

Privacy: Your home is being marketed to the masses both on the internet, open houses and with showings.

Distraction: Numerous realtors have reported, that buyers often get very distracted with the showing while gazing at personal photos. Often times, they're trying to identify if they know you and why you are selling.

We want potential buyers to visualize your home as their home. If you have personal photos everywhere (like a gallery family photo wall) it can be difficult for some buyers to envision the space as their own.

Image: SamanthaGluckInteriors.com

Wallpaper
We know, wallpaper is back; however wallpaper patterns and colors can be very personal to your decorating and decor aesthetic. As much as you hate the thought of removing wallpaper, the buyers hate it 10 times more (trust us). Wallpaper can be a deterrent from even coming to look at the home in many cases. We love using wallpaper in our decorating projects, but if you are thinking of selling your home we recommend taking it down.

Image: HGTV.com

Valances 
Like wallpaper, valances can be a very personal choice. They are usually selected in a certain pattern or color to match your bedding or decor. In our experience, 9 out of 10 times, buyers are not going to want to keep your valances with the with the home, and too many people feel that the look is dated. Take them down, patch the holes and let more light into the room.

Image: FabricMill.com

Heavy Drapery
Natural light is always a big selling point in a home. Heavy drapery and black-out curtains can make the room feel too dark and smaller than it actually is. In some cases, we recommend taking them off the window completely or swap them with a neutral curtain that allows more light in while your home is on the market.

Image: Amazon.com

Bathroom Rugs
Bathrooms are supposed to feel clean and spa-like. We understand why people use bath rugs for everyday use, but for photos and showings, it's a good idea to take them out! When potential buyers see a photo, their eyes will go right to the rug, missing the features of the overall room. The rugs can also make the bathroom feel smaller. Show off the floors and give the bath a cleaner, crisper look.

                                                                                                                  Image: CrateandBarrel.com

Ask us! 
Sometimes, the elements that make your house your home are features that prevent buyers from seeing the potential to personalize. If you’re thinking of selling, consider a staging consult with one of our team members before you begin. We can help you determine how to show your home in its best light!