In a year in which a record 5,900 new condos are scheduled to be completed, a homeowner trying to sell is facing stiff competition. With so many pre-construction condos, renovated lofts, and dozens of single-family homes available, buyers can afford to take their time choosing from a seemingly endless supply. Aside from the obvious selling points of a good location, great architectural design, luxurious interior details and finishes, or an attractive floor plan, there are some fairly simple and affordable things you can do to make your condo or home stand out from the crowd. and sell. faster.
The professional term for making a home more attractive to potential buyers is called staging. There are companies and people you can hire to do it for you and often if you list with an agent they will either suggest it or do it themselves. International Home Staging, a company that certifies home stagers, states that, on average, 93 percent of staged homes will sell in 31 days, but unstaged homes typically take at least 161 days to sell.
The cost of a basic home staging estimate, complete with an action plan, ranges from $300 to $400. The actual cost of the job plus materials or appliances can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve, the condition of your house or condo, and how much you are able or willing to spend. If you’re considering a reduction in your sales price, why not take that amount and use it to make improvements? It is very likely that the homeowner can do a lot of the work, which will reduce the total cost. But you may want to hire a professional just to save time and energy.
Most experts agree that it takes a good first impression to hook a buyer. If the first impression is negative, for whatever reason, it will be difficult to change it no matter what you do. That means from the front door onward, you need to do your best and make them feel welcome and able to imagine living there comfortably. If you own a house with a garden, make sure it is trimmed and looks inviting. Clean up the patio if you haven’t already, and set up a grill or lounge furniture so a potential buyer can see the advantages of having an outdoor place to relax or entertain. If you’re putting together a condo or townhouse, this isn’t much of a concern because lawn care is usually taken care of. And if you’re selling a loft, it might be worth looking at the Chicago lofts listed on Best Chicago Condos and see what’s popular right now.
Then get rid of the clutter. You can’t add more square footage to your home, but you can make it look more spacious by not having magazines or newspapers strewn about, shoes lying by the door, or extra furniture crammed into a small space. Make each room feel open and welcoming. Pay attention to your windows and maximize the amount of natural light. New blinds or treatments are generally inexpensive and can put a whole new face on windows.
Floors are another area that buyers notice. If the carpet isn’t in its best shape, it should at least be cleaned or replaced in the most visible areas of the house. Make sure the hardwood is polished and the tiles are not dull.
Walls can stick into a room or open up, so if your current paint color is dark or only suitable for a certain decor, definitely repaint in more neutral tones like beige or sand. These colors are calming and match most furniture. Potential buyers rarely sell on condos or houses that will need to be repainted.
Even simple things like door handles, cabinet pulls, or plumbing fixtures can add a new look to a home. These are also fairly inexpensive, and with the exception of kitchen or bathroom faucets, you can probably install them yourself. Lighting fixtures, even a new shade or cover, are another simple upgrade that can add to the overall look.
Speaking of the kitchen and bathroom, those two areas are the most scrutinized by buyers. It goes without saying that you should keep the bathroom sparkling clean, and adding candles or new towels can transform a bathroom. Energy efficient kitchen appliances are always a great selling point and are well worth the expense of upgrading. Even the smell of your home can play a part. You may not be able to have freshly baked bread in the oven to attract a shopper, but you can at least have a clean, fresh scent or use a subtle scented oil, candle, or fresh flowers.
Staging should not be used to try to cover up serious flaws or mislead a buyer. But making a great first impression is always a good idea, whether it’s about you or the home you’re trying to sell.
