Home Staging Trends to Still Consider in a Post COVID World

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, prices are expected to continue to increase through the rest of the year while the number of sales is expected to decrease, according to Norada Real Estate Investments, who believes stronger buyer activity will continue with speedy sales and multiple offers leading to price gains.

While this means we’re still in a “hot” seller’s market, there are some home staging trends sellers will want to focus on to stay ahead of the competition and get the maximum return on their investment.

Highlight Work From Home “Office” Space

Chicagoland Home Staging Office Naperville

Remote work changed the lives of workers everywhere. If you plan on selling your home, make sure you provide a space for prospective buyers to work from home. It’s an important space to show off before they make a purchasing decision, since so many people continue to work from home or have a hybrid work schedule.

Remodeling site Houzz recently polled its community of homeowners and design professionals and found that the majority of respondents (55%) have a home office, but a quarter (25%) work from their dining or kitchen table, with one in ten laboring from the sofa (11%).

With those numbers in mind, we need to create a dedicated space for buyers providing a quiet area with ample storage, and perhaps a way to close off the office area on days off. If you’re selling a family home, you’ll want to highlight multiple areas for the entire family to work.

A Little Greenery Sets the Mood

Chicagoland Home Staging 2022 Interior Design Trends

Not only do indoor plants enhance the overall appearance of a space, but studies show they boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants—making for a healthier, happier you. Use plants to create a warm, welcoming space that can brighten up empty spaces in your home.

Playing Down Open Layouts

An open floor plan is a concept on the decline since COVID-19 forced everyone to quarantine in their home. While in recent years buyers loved the extra space for entertaining, family living and maximizing natural light, in the post-pandemic age many buyers are looking for more privacy to conquer multiple tasks at home — like school and work simultaneously.

In order to reduce this potential turn-off from affecting the sale of a property, make sure to designate different zones within the space and clearly define each area. Use items like area rugs, lighting, half walls, room dividers, and even paint colors to make an open floor plan feel more segmented.

Camera-Friendly Online Views

As we know, staging a home can have a huge effect on how long your home stays on the market and how much it will sell for. Over the past three years homebuyers have been purchasing properties just by viewing the listing online or scheduling a virtual tour.

A property online can look completely different from how the home looks (and feels) in person, that’s why you want to take photos of the way your home currently looks to truly see what stands out. Here are three suggestions to get started:

  • If it’s not a positive feature that attracts your eye in the photo consider removing the item from the room.
  • Use neutral or light paint shades on your walls. They show up best in photos and videos.
  • Simplify what’s in the room. Remove clutter, clear countertops and have a minimalist approach to accessorizing. Today’s buyers like clean lines and sleek styles.

Enhancing Private Outdoor Space

Showcasing outdoor space is now top priority since the pandemic hit in early 2020. Depending on the target market, you’ll want to highlight this space for entertaining and/or family time.

While pools, fire pits and outdoor kitchens tend to sell themselves, limited outdoor space — like in a condo or townhome should also be featured. Create an outdoor seating area with overhead lighting, neutral furniture and add pops of color by utilizing a rug, pillows or even flowers.

Our team of experts and designers are passionate about inspiring you with the possibilities your space could have, while ultimately helping your home sell faster. To learn more about how we transform vacant homes with staging, contact Chicagoland Home Staging for an instant home quote in DuPage County!

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