Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland
LOVELAND – When it comes to selling your home, your wall colors and furnishings can play a big role in buyer impressions. Sure, we all like to think that buyers can look past an owner’s belongings and see a house for what it has to offer. After all, the furnishings don’t come with the house. However, this is extremely difficult if not impossible for most buyers.
The impact of colors
Colors set the mood for a room and can even alter the perceived amount of space. Bright and soothing colors can create a sense of calm and happiness, whereas dark colors can evoke negative emotions. Additionally, bright colors tend to make a room look and feel larger. Dark colors have the reverse effect and make a room feel smaller or even cramped. If you would like potential home buyers to have positive emotions when viewing your home, then it’s worthwhile to change the colors.
Bold or dramatic colors also make it more difficult for potential buyers to envision their belongings in the space. This is why a neutral color palette is often recommended. Neutral does not necessarily mean white and beige colors. You can have splashes of color but on the lighter side of the color spectrum. Buyers view not having to paint as a positive feature of a home, and neutral colors will help achieve that.
The impact of furnishings and décor
Another important aspect of selling your home is evaluating the impact of your furnishings and décor. Although furnishings are not included in the sale, they can directly impact your sale price. Here’s how.
If you have dated curtains and furniture, it makes your home feel dated as well. In fact, it could make your home feel much older than it actually is. The only exception to this is with antique homes where the furniture compliments the periodic details of the property. An older feeling home otherwise gives buyers the impression that it will need more work, both in the short term and long term. This will ultimately impact the offer price submitted by buyers.
Another important consideration is the amount and type of furniture that you have in your home. Too much furniture alters buyers’ perception of space. Homes definitely feel smaller with more furniture. Extremely large pieces of furniture can have this same effect. You should consider putting some furnishings into storage and taking a minimalist approach to your staging. More visible floor, wall, and countertop space makes a home feel much larger and, thus, worth more money.
More home staging tips
Every home is unique and may require a slightly different approach to maximizing value and sale price. Contact a real estate professional and get some tips on how to best present your home for sale.
Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
