If our walls could talk what would they say? Our homes may be a reflection of ourselves, but this philosophy can backfire when you’re putting a property up for sale. What a seller likes may be too personal for a buyer.
1. Bold colors
Bad paint colors instantly turn off buyers but it’s one of the cheapest things to fix. Almost always I say to stay away from bright colors, multiple-colored living spaces, dated colors (think mauve and hunter green), and metallic colors as problematic for sellers. Instead, consider greige, beige, soft white, and gray hues. Most important? Keep the paint color consistent throughout the home.
2. Shiny hardware and accessories
One of the major trends now is all about chrome, metallic, and shiny finishes. I am all for these touches but it has gotten completely out of hand. How do you accessorize yourself when going out for the night? Do you wear all your jewelry at the same time? Probably not, consider eliminating some accessories for your home just before it’s time for its close-up!
Although you’ll see kitchens with plenty of brass, copper, and polished nickel on Pinterest, it’s worth it to go with the classics like brushed nickel and use them sparingly. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and subtle and understated always stands the test of time.
3. Open bathrooms
It turns out that you can take the idea of an open floor plan too far. The trend of an open master tub in the master bedroom should never have been started no one really wants to shower or bathe in the middle of a bedroom. People really like more privacy when it comes to the bathroom scene.
4. Converted rooms
It might have made sense to turn the spare bedroom into a space dedicated to your favorite hobby. The problem? A buyer sees this as an in-home gym instead of a third bedroom.
5. Wall-to-wall carpeting
Some would argue that carpets never fully went out of style. While lush carpeting can feel like a dream underfoot and can be easier to maintain than other flooring options, many buyers see it as a downside (even if it’s high-quality carpet). Everyone wants to see hardwood floors. They’re always in style, and work with any decor scheme.
6. De-Clutter
Put away the Legos. Clear the desk clutter. Vacuum up the dog hair. Nearly 74 percent of real estate agents said that the cleanliness of a home is the most important sight-based feature to home buyers. Someone looking for a new home doesn’t want to have to use their imagination (or the “mind’s eye”) to determine if the house is a fit for their lifestyle.
7. What’s scent got to do with it?
Vanilla and fresh scents (think mountain air or clean laundry smell) are the most popular and appealing fragrances when staging a home. In fact, vanilla is such a powerful scent, studies have shown it’s linked to positive nostalgic memories, reducing stress and anxiety and producing a sense of calm.*
8. First Impressions Make A Lasting Impression:
While the majority of real estate agents said the most important rooms to focus on staging are the kitchen and living rooms, they emphasize not to forget about the entryway. The look and feel of the entryway is the first opportunity to make a full sensory impression on the home buyer. Additionally, homeowners should consider incorporating ambient music, fresh flowers, and a clear path to the rest of the home.
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