If you want to sell your home fast and expect to get your asking price, you must stage it to attract as many buyers as possible. Home staging is a strategy that many sellers use to show off their property’s potential, and it’s one of the most important tasks you can do before putting your house on the market.
Staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the space as their future home while allowing them to picture how they could use the space. It’s important to show them an inviting and comfortable sleeping environment. By following a few simple “do’s and don’ts” you may be able to increase the sale price by up to 5% according to many real estate agents.
Declutter and Downsize
Begin your bedroom-staging process by decluttering. Many bedrooms—especially infrequently used ones like guest bedrooms—become a dumping ground for extra bedding, clothes, and accessories. Remove all items from bedroom closets, as they might distract buyers during home showings. Plus, an empty closet can create a feeling of ample storage space.
Depersonalize the rooms by getting rid of family photos, religious and political items, as well as knickknacks and trophies. A bedroom will look more complete and thoughtfully staged with a large painting or framed print hung on the wall above the head of the bed. Good rule of thumb is to have the piece at eye-level for the average sized person. A single piece of art should be hung about 60 inches from the center of the piece to the floor.
Make the Bed the Focal Point
The bed is the bedroom’s main focal point, so it’s important you give it extra attention. Sellers should make up the beds in a luxurious yet simple way. A properly made bed is key to a well-designed bedroom that can win over any buyer. Choose neutral bedding that can appeal to most design preferences. Use new standard bed pillows, rather than ones that are flat or an odd shape. Then finish off the look with a few throw pillows that provide a fun pop of color.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
Show off every bedroom in the best light possible. When staging your bedroom, make sure you maximize the amount of beautiful natural light while including a mixture of ambient and accent. Ambient lighting provides the primary illumination for a room and includes overhead lights. The most common accent lights are table lamps, wall fixtures or sconces.
Remember to avoid heavy draperies and curtains with bold prints or colors; they can distract buyers and use the correct size bulbs for lamps and fixtures. A 40- to 60-watt soft white or warm white bulb is most commonly recommended for bedrooms.
Don’t Display Your Pets and Their Stuff
We love our pets, but unfortunately, prospective buyers might not feel the same way. Pet crates, beds, and toys can possibly deter potential buyers. If you have pets, be sure to remove any traces of them, especially before you take listing photos. This will eliminate the possibility of buyers assuming your house smells of pets because they see traces of them in your home. It’s also a good idea to have a trusted friend or relative watch your pet during showings.