When you're getting ready to sell your Kensington home, it's important to stage it in a way that will make it appealing to potential buyers. You want them to feel like the home could be theirs, and that means de-cluttering, neutralizing colors, and making repairs where necessary. In this blog post, you'll learn some tips on how to stage Kensington homes and apartments in Kensington, MD to wow prospective buyers.
1: Remove personal touches from each room.
When potential buyers are looking at Kensington homes and apartments in Kensington, MD, you want them to be able to envision themselves living there. That means removing any personal touches, such as collectibles, fragile mementos like framed family photos, and anything else that might make the home feel like it still strongly reflects you and your family. You want buyers to be able to see themselves in the space, and that means making it as neutral as possible. Be sure to check each room and hallway with a critical and observant eye to make sure that you haven't left anything out!
2: Deep clean and make repairs
A clean and well-maintained home will always show better than one that's clearly seen its fair share of wear and tear. Be sure to deep clean each room, including the kitchen and bathrooms, before potential buyers come to take a look. Be sure to wipe down windows, walls, and baseboards. Don't forget to check behind and under appliances and furniture!
If you have a lingering list of annoyances to be addressed, like outlets that don't work even after pressing the "TEST" button or a small knick in the wall from moving furniture, it's best to go ahead and take care of them before listing your Kensington home. Not only will this give the impression that you've maintained your home well, but it will also show that you're taking care of any potential problems before they have a chance to become deal-breakers for buyers of Kensington homes and apartments in Kensington, MD.
It may also be worthwhile hiring a home inspector yourself, rather than waiting for a buyer to request it, as this can give you a chance to fix any other issues you may not yet know about - like upgrades needed due to building code changes.
You should also consider having your Kensington home professionally cleaned before listing it, as this can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive it. While you are certainly capable of deep cleaning your home, it doesn't hurt to have a professional do a second pass to make sure that everything is spic and span!
3: Update paint colors and finishes
While you want to keep the overall feel of your Kensington home neutral, there's no harm in giving it a fresh coat of paint! You can even consider painting over any bold or unique colors that might turn potential buyers off.
In addition to updating the paint in Kensington homes and apartments in Kensington, MD, you should also take a look at any fixtures and finishes that might need to be updated, such as door handles, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware. Updating these elements can make a big difference in how your Kensington home is perceived by potential buyers - it will look more modern and well-maintained, which is always appealing.
4: Focus on the most important rooms to buyers
In the 2021 Profile of Home Staging study by the National Association of Realtors, both buyers' and sellers' agents noted that the most important rooms to be staged, if you aren't staging the entire home, are the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. If you don't have the time to stage the entire home, focus your efforts on these three rooms.
When staging your Kensington living room, be sure to remove any personal items and update the paint color if needed. You should also focus on creating a welcoming and inviting space by arranging furniture in a way that encourages conversation and making sure that there is plenty of seating.
The kitchen is another important room to focus on when staging Kensington homes and apartments in Kensington, MD, as it's where many potential buyers will spend a lot of their time. Be sure to clear off countertops and put away any small appliances that might be taking up space. You should also make sure that the sink is clear of dishes and that the floors are clean.
The master bedroom is another room that potential buyers will pay close attention to, so be sure to stage it in a way that makes it feel like a relaxing oasis. Remove any personal items and update the linens on the bed. You should also consider adding some greenery to the room, as plants can help to create a feeling of calm.
While these are the most important rooms to focus on when staging your Kensington home, you should also take the time to stage any other rooms that are in need of a refresh.
Remember, the goal is to make your Kensington home feel move-in ready so that potential buyers can envision making their own. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving that goal!
5: Hire a professional
Of course, one of the best ways to handle staging Kensington homes is to hire a professional stager. If you decide to go this route, be sure to interview a few different candidates to find the right fit for your Kensington home.
A professional stager brings a wealth of experience in preparing Kensington homes for sale. You can rest assured they bring a keen eye for detail that will be able to transform your Kensington home into a space that is appealing to potential buyers. They will be able to provide you with guidance on what changes to make based on their experience with Kensington buyers. They can also offer rental items like furniture and decor to round out the staging process. If you decide to hire a professional Kensington stager, be sure to get a few quotes and compare services before making your final decision.
Staging Kensington homes and apartments in Kensington, MD doesn't have to be a daunting task - with a little time and effort, you can make it into a space that potential buyers will love. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving that goal! Kensington is a great place to live - and with a little bit of effort, it can be a great place to sell your home, too! If you're planning on putting your Kensington home on the market soon, reach out to a local real estate expert like those in The Synergy Group for help earning the best price for your property!
