Are you planning on selling your home in today’s Phoenix Real Estate market? Home values – according to the Phoenix MLS – are higher now than any time in the last few years. While the market is seeing new lows in the volume of distressed Phoenix Homes for Sale such as short sales and bank-owned properties, the market is also seeing the traditional home sellers re-enter the market and attempt to sell for top dollar in most areas. With the return to the market of the traditional home seller, many sellers are turning to professional home stagers to prepare the home for sale before listing it with Phoenix AZ Realtors to sell. While your bank account may not allow for professional home staging advice, there are some great tips that will allow you to maximize your selling price.
The Staging rule of thumb to keep in mind: You are trying to help potential buyers feel that your home will become their castle. To do this, just remember that appealing to a home buyer’s five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch – will be the key to successful staging.
Sight – Light, bright homes with neutral colors and a few colorful accents appeal to more buyers. Bold, vivid colors may be more “you”, but remember that you’re trying to provide more of a “blank canvas” that a potential buyer finds attractive now, but can also visualize making their own.
Sound – Ever heard the expression “the silence was deafening” or “quiet as a tomb”? Well, walking into a totally-silent home can be like that – possibly eerie or oppressive, but rarely welcoming. Leave some soft, light music playing to help provide a tranquil, inviting ambiance.
Smell – Make sure to avoid any strong aromas. Of course it makes sense to make sure noxious smells like pet odors, last night’s fish dinner or poker-game cigars are not the first thing to hit a potential buyer as they enter your home – but don’t forget that exotic incense, heavy floral accents and even cleanser smells can be offensive to many. Make sure your home is aired out well, and then provide simple, clean, subtle aromas with the restrained use of potpourri or air fresheners.
Taste – Could a plate of fresh-baked cookies entice a buyer? Maybe, maybe not – but it would certainly make your home more memorable.
Touch – Physical comfort is important. Remember that “Ahhhh!” feeling you get when you walk into a cool building, getting out of the heat of summer? Any Realtor showing your home – and any potential buyer – is going to be much more comfortable if your AC is set appropriately. Be careful not to over-cool (or over-heat!) but do try to make your home feel comfortable to visitors.
Today’s market can be a great time to sell Phoenix Arizona Homes, but keep the competition in mind. Do you need help with staging and showcasing your home before putting it on the market? We would love to help. Contact us at www.thompsongroupaz.com or 480.776.5214.
