Staging 101: Taking Advantage of Spring

Staging 101: Taking Advantage of Spring

Spring has finally arrived and with it better months for home sales. Realistically speaking, those looking for homes in the winter are usually desperate to make a change for a specific reason – a move for a new job or a lease ending. But those who have been too busy with the holidays or unwilling to come out in the cold will soon resume their serious house hunts and you’ll definitely want to be ready.

Clean the House

Seriously. We shouldn’t have to say it but it’s a given. Scrub the house down, wash the windows, wipe down the walls, have the rugs cleaned, and consider having someone come out to power-wash the outside as well. Melting snow and salt can leave an unsightly layer of grime on your home and you’ll want it to look nice.

Cleaning does not mean shoving stuff under your bed or into a closet, either. People will want to look there – at least in the closets! Declutter and get rid of anything you don’t need. Pro tip: pack away and store your winter clothes so that those who do open your closets don’t see all of the bulky items taking up space.

Evaluate Your Interior Decorations

Warm, dark colors make a home feel cozy in the winter, but they make it feel drab during the warmer months. Swap out some of your darker decorations for lighter, brighter colors. You can do this with a simple throw rug or blanket, some brighter pillows, and some bright flowers. Make sure you’re keeping your windows open so the natural light can shine in, too.

Gardening and Landscaping

Make sure your lawn is kept nice by scheduling regular maintenance – whether that means doing it yourself or hiring professional help. Have your bushes trimmed and proceed with your regular spring planting schedule. Bright flowers, a manicured landscape, and even a decorative flag or welcome sign will give your home an added bit of curb-appeal. Potted plants work great on steps and in garden areas and will detract from the fact that your trees and other plants may not be in full bloom yet. Pro tip: avoid wreaths during the spring months as the design tends to remind people of the holidays.

Not sure where to start? Your real estate agent can and will walk through your home and help you determine what areas need attention. It’s not always easy to have someone else tell you what changes to make or what personal items to put away, but great staging is key to a successful year – no matter the season.