Canadian summers offer ample opportunities to enjoy the warm weather, from lakeside gatherings and cottage weekends to neighbourhood barbecues and outdoor sports. Summer is also an ideal time for buying and selling homes, with the busy season often stretching from the Victoria Day weekend in May to Labour Day in early September. Selling your home in the summer months increases the likelihood of more showings. Longer daylight hours entice buyers to visit into the evening and linger, and the nice weather and lush landscapes make enhance your home’s home visual appeal, potentially attracting more visitors and offers. But despite the season’s many favours, staging your home in the summer still makes good sense.
Home staging is all about setting up your home to highlight its best features, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It does more than just spruce up a home; it helps buyers see it as a place where they can fulfill their dreams and live a better lifestyle. Creating an emotional connection can significantly boost the perceived value of the property, leading to higher offers. By showcasing a home that appears move-in ready and thoughtfully arranged, staging keeps potential buyers engaged and more likely to make a competitive bid.
Make a strong first impression with your home’s curb appeal. Start by renting a pressure washer to clean the siding, roof, and gutters, instantly freshening up the overall look of your home. Consider adding a splash of colour by painting the front door or shutters, choosing a hue that complements the existing colours of your home. Updating small fixtures like house numbers, outdoor lighting, the mailbox, and the welcome mat can also modernize your entryway. Tidy up your landscape by cleaning the edges of flowerbeds, laying down fresh mulch, and planting a mix of small shrubs and seasonal flowers to add vibrancy and life.
Oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped. Striking the right balance is key; each piece should complement the room’s size, making the space feel balanced. It’s not necessary to invest heavily in new furniture for staging. You can rent high-quality pieces to elevate the look of your home without a significant outlay. Your furniture should look clean, stylish, and well-maintained.
Arrange furniture to guide potential buyers through the space naturally. Avoid blocking high-traffic areas to make the space easy to navigate and explore. Focus on creating a layout that feels open and welcoming. For example, in the living room, arrange seating around a focal point like a fireplace or a coffee table. It invites potential buyers to imagine themselves spending time in the space. Demonstrate the potential of multipurpose areas with the right furniture. For instance, show how a nook can serve as a cozy reading area or how a part of the living room can function as a home office.
Depersonalizing your home is a key step in home staging because it allows potential buyers to picture themselves living there, not just visiting. Clear away all personal items, like family photos, keepsakes, and children’s artwork. Keep clothes neatly stored out of sight and bathroom counters clear of personal items—though a tasteful dispenser of hand soap is a nice touch. Toys and other highly personal belongings should also be packed away. While some artwork can add a touch of elegance, it’s important to keep it simple and neutral. Replace personal or eclectic art with generic landscapes or abstract pieces that complement the room without dominating it.
Worn, stained carpets are a turn-off to potential buyers, as they immediately suggest additional expense and effort. Linoleum is often perceived as dated and cheap-looking and can detract from your home’s value. Investing in hardwood floors can add timeless elegance to your home. Plus, they offer great long-term value because they are also durable and low maintenance. Even if a potential buyer prefers carpet, hardwood can serve as a high-quality subfloor that can be easily carpeted over, preserving the wood for future owners who might appreciate it.
When considering flooring upgrades, focus on high-traffic and common areas such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen, where the impact will be most noticeable. Bathrooms are also crucial areas for upgrades. If your budget allows, opt for ceramic tile or stone to elevate these spaces. For those on a tighter budget, high-quality vinyl tiles can be an excellent alternative. Modern luxury vinyl tiles can mimic the look of ceramic or stone, enhancing your home’s appeal without breaking the bank.
Staging your home in the summer means highlighting outdoor features. The season is synonymous with spending time outside, so make your space inviting by cleaning decks, patios, and children’s play areas. Arrange outdoor furniture neatly and include cozy elements like cushions or throws to create an inviting scene. Show potential buyers the leisure and entertainment possibilities your outdoor space offers.
A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and vibrant flower beds can significantly enhance the appeal of your home. Add new plants or refreshing mulch in garden beds to boost colour and texture. Strategic landscaping can also create privacy and enhance views, making the outdoor space feel like a secluded sanctuary.
Want to sell your home for the best possible price? Reach out to a RE/MAX agent today to tap into our expertise in strategies that maximize your home’s value. Our knowledgeable agents are skilled in using proven techniques to make your property more appealing and profitable on the market.
What is Home Staging?
Home staging is all about setting up your home to highlight its best features, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It does more than just spruce up a home; it helps buyers see it as a place where they can fulfill their dreams and live a better lifestyle. Creating an emotional connection can significantly boost the perceived value of the property, leading to higher offers. By showcasing a home that appears move-in ready and thoughtfully arranged, staging keeps potential buyers engaged and more likely to make a competitive bid.
Strategies for Staging Your Home in the Summer
Maximize Curb Appeal
Make a strong first impression with your home’s curb appeal. Start by renting a pressure washer to clean the siding, roof, and gutters, instantly freshening up the overall look of your home. Consider adding a splash of colour by painting the front door or shutters, choosing a hue that complements the existing colours of your home. Updating small fixtures like house numbers, outdoor lighting, the mailbox, and the welcome mat can also modernize your entryway. Tidy up your landscape by cleaning the edges of flowerbeds, laying down fresh mulch, and planting a mix of small shrubs and seasonal flowers to add vibrancy and life.
Rearrange Furniture to Create a Sense of Space and Flow
Oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped. Striking the right balance is key; each piece should complement the room’s size, making the space feel balanced. It’s not necessary to invest heavily in new furniture for staging. You can rent high-quality pieces to elevate the look of your home without a significant outlay. Your furniture should look clean, stylish, and well-maintained.
Arrange furniture to guide potential buyers through the space naturally. Avoid blocking high-traffic areas to make the space easy to navigate and explore. Focus on creating a layout that feels open and welcoming. For example, in the living room, arrange seating around a focal point like a fireplace or a coffee table. It invites potential buyers to imagine themselves spending time in the space. Demonstrate the potential of multipurpose areas with the right furniture. For instance, show how a nook can serve as a cozy reading area or how a part of the living room can function as a home office.
Remove Personal Items
Depersonalizing your home is a key step in home staging because it allows potential buyers to picture themselves living there, not just visiting. Clear away all personal items, like family photos, keepsakes, and children’s artwork. Keep clothes neatly stored out of sight and bathroom counters clear of personal items—though a tasteful dispenser of hand soap is a nice touch. Toys and other highly personal belongings should also be packed away. While some artwork can add a touch of elegance, it’s important to keep it simple and neutral. Replace personal or eclectic art with generic landscapes or abstract pieces that complement the room without dominating it.
Don’t Overlook the Flooring
Worn, stained carpets are a turn-off to potential buyers, as they immediately suggest additional expense and effort. Linoleum is often perceived as dated and cheap-looking and can detract from your home’s value. Investing in hardwood floors can add timeless elegance to your home. Plus, they offer great long-term value because they are also durable and low maintenance. Even if a potential buyer prefers carpet, hardwood can serve as a high-quality subfloor that can be easily carpeted over, preserving the wood for future owners who might appreciate it.
When considering flooring upgrades, focus on high-traffic and common areas such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen, where the impact will be most noticeable. Bathrooms are also crucial areas for upgrades. If your budget allows, opt for ceramic tile or stone to elevate these spaces. For those on a tighter budget, high-quality vinyl tiles can be an excellent alternative. Modern luxury vinyl tiles can mimic the look of ceramic or stone, enhancing your home’s appeal without breaking the bank.
Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces
Staging your home in the summer means highlighting outdoor features. The season is synonymous with spending time outside, so make your space inviting by cleaning decks, patios, and children’s play areas. Arrange outdoor furniture neatly and include cozy elements like cushions or throws to create an inviting scene. Show potential buyers the leisure and entertainment possibilities your outdoor space offers.
A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and vibrant flower beds can significantly enhance the appeal of your home. Add new plants or refreshing mulch in garden beds to boost colour and texture. Strategic landscaping can also create privacy and enhance views, making the outdoor space feel like a secluded sanctuary.
Want to sell your home for the best possible price? Reach out to a RE/MAX agent today to tap into our expertise in strategies that maximize your home’s value. Our knowledgeable agents are skilled in using proven techniques to make your property more appealing and profitable on the market.
Originally published on the RE/MAX Canada Blog.