Staging is the process of preparing your lakefront home to sell so it looks its best for potential buyers. The following staging techniques can help increase your lakefront home’s value, make it attractive to more buyers and better your chances for a quick sale.
EXTERIOR: Focus on curb appeal to create a positive first impression. Keep the landscaping looking immaculate by maintaining the grass and trimming the hedges and shrubs. Check the condition of the driveway, walkways and patios, and fill in cracks and holes if needed. Inspect doors, trim, fences, and siding for peeling paint. Create an inviting front entrance by adding colorful flower beds and plants. Be sure your lakeshore and beach area are well maintained and raked. Create a “destination” for buyers to walk to (such as a fire pit or dock bench) that will represent the best view of the lake. It can be difficult to “see” your home for the first time…so don’t be afraid to invite some close friends over for help.
INTERIOR: Clear away clutter, and clean thoroughly including the carpets and drapes. Make small rooms appear spacious by removing unnecessary items such as furniture, clothing, books and toys. Arrange the remaining furniture so that it creates a smooth traffic flow. Add depth and warmth to create a cozier feeling in large areas with a new paint color or texture, different furniture arrangements and well-placed accessories. Use proper lighting to accentuate the best features of your home. Avoid over-accessorizing, and depersonalize rooms by removing items such as family photos. Keep your home free of pet and food odors. Most lakefront buyers will walk directly over to where the best view of the lake is. Be sure it is unobstructed and windows are clean.
Remember, staging may not set up your home so it is functionally livable for you. But that’s not the point. The point is to make it attractive to as many buyers as possible and keep it well ahead of your competition. There’s also no better way to secure a buyer than to take them out on the lake by boat. It’s an emotional hook into the lakefront lifestyle that they will not soon forget. Good luck!
Posted by:
