Staged homes bring in 1 to 5% more in sale price than homes that are not staged.
Homes that are staged can sell 33% faster as compared to those that are not.
You can expect up to 10% more online views for staged MLS listings in Toronto.
Seeing these statistics, most home sellers might wonder “Can staging really make such a big difference during the sale of my Toronto home?”
Well, it absolutely can. But only if you complete all the staging tasks that a homeowner usually does to sell their property quickly and for top dollar.
Tasks to Check Off When Staging Your Home
Show Off the One-of-a-Kind Features
When potential buyers walk through your door, they’re not just looking for the generic features that almost every MLS listing in Toronto has (those are obvious). Their eyes are peeled for unique features in the home that can make them go “wow.” This feature could be a cosy reading nook, a stunning fireplace, or beautiful crown moulding.
Hence, make sure to highlight all the special elements in your home to make your home more appealing and also entice quicker offers and a higher sale price. To effectively highlight these truly special features, you must arrange furniture around these items to draw attention to them. For instance, you can position a comfy chair near a fireplace. You can also consider using lighting to highlight these standout features – soft, warm lights to make the features shine more.
Mix Neutral Tones with Cheerful Splashes of Colour
An MLS listing in Toronto should always have its walls painted in neutral shades such as soft beige, light grey or creamy white. With these neutral walls, homebuyer can easily imagine their own furniture and decor in the space. Plus, these shades tend to make rooms look larger and brighter than usual which is always a plus.
But home sellers, make sure to balance this neutral colour palette in your home with colourful accents here and there. You can do this by adding colourful cushions, artwork, or even a rug throughout your home. For instance, if your living room walls are a soft grey, you can place a few bright yellow or cheerful blue throw pillows on the couch to make the room stand out.
Keep Your Home Shining Bright with a Good Clean
The first step to cleaning a home before putting it for sale is “decluttering.” You must remove all personal items such as family photos and clear out any unnecessary furniture from each and every room of the Toronto MLS listing.
Next, give your home a deep clean on your own or hire a professional cleaning service to help you with it. You must dust out every corner, wipe down surfaces, and yes, pay extra attention to often overlooked spots such as baseboards and light fixtures.
Set Up Your Furniture to Highlight Your Home’s Functional Side
Under this home staging to-do task, you must arrange furniture strategically to help potential buyers see how each space can be used effectively. For instance, in the living room, you can place the sofa facing a focal point such as a fireplace or TV. You can use side tables for putting lamps or drinks to show how this space can be used for entertainment or relaxation.
In the kitchen, clear off the countertops so buyers can see the available workspace. In case the MLS listing in Toronto has a breakfast nook, you must arrange a small table and chairs to highlight how it can be used for casual meals.
Let as Much Sunshine In as Possible
Natural light works wonders for any space as it makes rooms look bigger, brighter, and more inviting. This is why try to flood your home with as much natural light as possible during the staging process.
To bring in more natural light to your property, use light, airy curtains or blinds. These materials can let the sun in your home while also showing potential homebuyers that they will have enough privacy. Next, make sure to clean all the windows in your Toronto home inside and out. That’s because dust and grime can block light through the windows so a good wash can let that sunshine through.
Lastly, furniture and any other items in the Toronto MLS listing should be arranged to avoid blocking the windows. You must move any tall furniture or bulky decor away from light sources.
Give Your Home a Splash of Life with Plants
Pick easy-to-care plants for your home since you may not have enough time to care for the plants between listing and marketing your property. You can go for options such as pothos, snake plants, or peace lilies. These plants can easily thrive indoors and aren’t too fussy when it comes to care and maintenance.
While staging the home, place the plants strategically all around your property. For example, you can place a tall plant in the corner of the living room to draw the eye or put some small plants on tables or shelves to add charm.
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with a Little Care and Attention
Curb appeal is the first thing buyers see in your MLS listing in Toronto so make sure it’s in its best shape. To amp up the curb appeal of your home, mow the lawn, trim any overgrown bushes and trees, and add some colourful flowers. Bright blossoms can easily catch the attention of a potential homebuyer, making your home feel welcoming and cheerful.
Also, make sure to clean the front door and give it a fresh coat of paint if needed before the property goes out for sale. In case you have outdoor furniture, arrange it nicely to show how the space can be used.
Make Your Space Feel Larger With a Few Well-Placed Mirrors
Mirrors can create the illusion of more space which can work in your favour especially if your rooms are smaller. But you must be strategic about where and how to place your mirrors in the home. You can place a large mirror on a wall opposite a window so it can bounce natural light around the room, making it feel airy and open.
In case your Toronto MLS listing has a narrow hallway, consider hanging a mirror at the end to create a sense of depth. You can also use a group of smaller mirrors to add style and interest to a room. For instance, a cluster of decorative mirrors above a console table can create a stunning focal point.
Get Some Thoughts on How the Staging Looks
Sometimes, you might be so close to your space that you might miss the little details that could make a big difference. This is why after the staging process, you must invite your neighbours, friends, or your Realtor to check out if you have staged your home correctly. Their feedback can help you create an even more warm and welcoming atmosphere that potential buyers will love. Maybe they’ll suggest you move a piece of art (too overwhelming) or add a plant in a corner (to liven the space).
These Little Efforts Can Make a Big Difference in Selling Your House Successfully
Even small home staging moves can help you get far better offers on your home. So, home sellers, take the time and put the effort into staging your MLS listing in Toronto; it’ll surely pay off in the end.
Good luck with your sale!
