Category: The Craft of Real Estate

You’re ready to list your property for sale – but how will potential buyers perceive your home? Will it stand out in a crowded market?

Home staging is the art of preparing your home for sale. The goal is to enhance its appeal so that it resonates with the widest range of potential buyers. It goes beyond just cleaning and decluttering – and involves rearranging furniture, refreshing decor or making minor updates. Whether you work with a professional or take a DIY approach, the goal is to make your home feel welcoming and move-in ready.

Why Staging Matters More Than You Think

The benefits go beyond aesthetics. Research shows that staged homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices than non-staged properties. Styling can emphasize your house’s best features – be it natural light, open space or high-end finishes. It’s less about expressing your personal style and more about creating a universally inviting space. Try to detach emotionally from your home so you can be more objective about what appeals to buyers.

Remember: In a competitive market, thoughtful staging could be the difference between garnering interest versus landing actual offers.

Lean on Professional Guidance

Your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate professional is a valuable ally when it comes to providing staging feedback. They understand what local buyers want in your market and can recommend impactful updates that don’t require expensive or elaborate fixes. Should you need additional help, your agent can also connect you with a trusted local home stager that fits your budget. Whether you’re after a faster sale or a higher return, leverage your agent’s knowledge to get your home ready to showcase.

Affordable Styling Ideas to Stage Your Home

After you’ve decluttered, depersonalized and deep cleaned, check out the BHGRE Staging Guide for staging ideas in every room of the house!

Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions matter – a lot!  Keep your lawn mowed, trim any overgrown shrubs, edge plant beds and add mulch. Be sure the entrance to your home is tidy and inviting with potted plants and tasteful seasonal touches.

Rearrange Furnishings: Position furniture for better flow. Remove bulky pieces that make rooms feel cramped. Strategically place mirrors for more space and light. And for home showings, keep curtains open to let natural light pour in.

Update Lighting: Replace outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. A bright, well-lit room can highlight features and feel more welcoming.

Transform Walls: A fresh coat of paint does wonders to revitalize rooms. Opt for serene tones like beige or soft whites to enlarge spaces. Hang artwork at visually appealing heights – about five feet from the floor is ideal – for a balanced look.

Add Boutique-Like Touches: Simple accessories like vases with fresh flowers or stylish throw blankets enhance your home’s style without overwhelming the space. Create a luxurious vibe in bedrooms by replacing bedding with a new white cover and adding throw pillows.

Pay Attention to Aromas: Introduce subtle fragrances using candles or diffusers to elicit a positive emotional response from buyers. And at the minimum, be sure your home doesn’t have any strong odors that might be off-putting to visitors.

Highlight Functional Spaces: Clearly define each room’s purpose to help a buyer imagine how they’ll live in your home. For instance, set up a spare room as a home office or create an inviting reading nook.

Incorporate Greenery: Introduce indoor plants to bring in life and freshness. Foliage and floral touches can make spaces more vibrant and curated.

Feeling motivated to get your property in top shape? Let a local Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate professional help you highlight your home’s best features and attract more buyers!

Did you know that Better Homes & Gardens magazine has a readership of 39 million people and is the third-largest magazine in the United States by paid circulation?

Did you know its digital and mobile version has 8 million monthly readers and over 10 million unique visitors to the bhg.com website monthly?

Did you know that Better Homes & Gardens is the number one most-read home magazine in the United States?  And did you know that for over 100 years the magazine has been dedicated to enriching people’s lives, homes and families?

People who work for Better Homes and Gardens come to the company because of their love and passion for the beauty of home and all the things that homes stand for.  They take pride in the magazine’s content, artistry, and impeccable standards.

This same love and passion for home is the driving force behind Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate brand.  It is our appreciation for “the craft” of real estate that separates our company and our agents from everyone else.

To us, truly great real estate professionals know a lot more about homes than just the numbers and data.  They know about the power and importance of beauty.

Our “Craft of Real Estate” series demonstrates how we uniquely put both the numbers and the beauty or real estate together…and in doing so, we provide incredible evidence that we know homes and the business of real estate better than anyone else.  In fact, each ad does just that.  What other real estate company is telling you what the power of curb appeal is worth?  What other real estate company is telling you what having a great patio or an updated kitchen is worth?  Or how a fresh, new paint job can equate to a higher sales price?  Who is telling you how to go about finding a true hidden gem in the real estate world today?  What companies out there are doing more than talk about these things…but can actually help you achieve them?

Finally, what other real estate company is running a national advertising campaign that provides these useful insights and facts?

The answer is “no one”—except us.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is a Better Real Estate company.  It has better agents, and it has better programs.  And through our communication of “The Craft of Real Estate” series, we are setting out to prove it.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Nobody Knows Homes Bettter(tm) 

Taking care of repairs before putting your house on the market can help you attract more buyers, get top dollar for your home, and avoid lengthy and costly negotiations over needed fixes.

Roughly 43% of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® agents say that a wow-worthy exterior makes the best first impression. It follows, then, that your home’s interior should also be “picture perfect” before listing.

If you’re getting your home ready to sell, consider first repairing anything that takes away from your property showing in the best possible light.

Wondering where to start? Repairs are easier to take on when you begin with a clean and decluttered home, so give your house a good tidying up or call a professional to do the job. Then, give away, sell, or throw away anything you don’t want or need. Next, it’s time to address repairs.

Be proactive in assessing your home for potential issues that might turn off buyers. And, fix problems before photographing your property. Remember, even if buyers don’t notice a particular cosmetic (or larger) concern, a home inspector likely will. So, ask your agent for advice on taking care of any flaws that might hinder the sale of your house.

Buyers typically don’t want to deal with repairs before or immediately upon moving in. You can attract buyers to your property by presenting a well-maintained home in move-in condition.

Why Tend to Repairs Before Listing

Below are some reasons to take care of repairs before putting your home on the market.

• Increased appeal – Homes in good condition are more attractive to homebuyers, especially first-time buyers who might not want to take on costly (or lengthy) repairs before moving in.
• Minimizes negotiation points – Address repairs before listing to reduce the chance of buyers negotiating for price reductions or credits.
• Quicker sale – Move-in ready homes usually sell for more than those where the buyer needs to make repairs.

Top Overlooked Repairs That Hinder a Sale

Jessica Poulos, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team says two categories of repairs could hinder a home sale.

• Deferred maintenance – Letting maintenance and repairs slide on your home’s major systems and structural components will likely turn buyers away. Ensure you’re on top of roof cleaning and repair, gutter cleaning, plumbing leaks, HVAC service, significant cracks in walls and ceilings, and exterior painting.
• Unkept or dirty areas – Buyers notice when a home isn’t clean and tidy. It doesn’t take much effort to fix and spruce up dirty windows, flooring that needs cleaning or repair, broken or old cabinetry, and damaged kitchen and bathroom tile.

Types of Repairs to Consider Before Listing

Do a full home walk-through before listing to document the areas that might cause buyers to pause (ask your agent to help you uncover what might break a sale for a buyer). Repairs worth considering before putting your home on the market include:

• Foundation cracks – Fix small and large cracks in your home’s foundation. If buyers don’t notice these repair issues, be assured that their home inspector will.
• Roof issues – Take care of missing or damaged shingles and tiles, torn flashing, and roof leaks.
• Electrical problems – Fix broken outlets, switches, and fixtures (and modernize them while you’re at it).
• Flooring issues – Repair cracked tiles and refinish scratched floors. Fix loose floor tiles and floorboards.
• HVAC problems – Ensure your air-conditioner and heater function properly (HVAC systems needing repair are especially noticeable during extremely cold or hot months).
• Plumbing leaks – Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes as well as any areas that may have water damage due to leaks.
• Cosmetic concerns – Touch up paint on walls and cabinets, fix broken cabinet hardware, and repair cracks in walls and ceilings.

Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Benjamin Smail, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group in Omaha, Nebraska, shares three important tips for getting your home ready to sell:

• Touch up paint on walls and trim with the correct color and sheen. For just $100 in paint and a day’s work completing touch ups, you can shift a buyer’s thinking. Eliminating the perception that a house needs a full paint makeover prevents buyers from deducting $5,000 to $15,000 of value from a home.
• An unkempt home can cost thousands of dollars in buyer enthusiasm. A buyer doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy purchasing a home from a seller who doesn’t care enough to clean it well and prepare it for sale.
• Every room should have the right number of possessions, positioned in the right places. Too many items are overwhelming. Too sparsely decorated and the room feels abandoned and sad. As a last resort, a completely empty space is ok if clean and well kept.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.

Looking for low-risk inspiration for a home makeover? Whether you’re renovating your house to sell or fixing it to live in, you’ll do well turning to a maximalist or minimalist aesthetic— the design styles Gen Z and Millennials go crazy over.

With little effort or money, you can turn your home into a stylish haven that the newest generations of buyers won’t be able to ignore. Even if you’re not selling your home, the latest bold and simple design trends can give you a look you’ll love living with.

You’ve probably heard of minimalism—think Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian design. But the minimalist style that Millennials embrace is softer and more laid back. What’s maximalism, you might ask? Maximalist design is a new(ish) approach to home styling and it’s largely how Gen Z members make their spaces their own.

 Is “More” or “Less” More? 

Maximalism revolves around the “more is more” mindset; rich and vivid colors and lots of layers create focused busyness. Minimalist design typically incorporates clean lines, neutral colors, and simplicity; furniture, art, and room layouts are intentionally uncluttered following the “less is more” philosophy.

While Gen Z prefers maximalism, a look all about self-expression and creativity, Millennials enjoy decorating in a more subdued manner. Maximalist home designers seek playful ways to bring their homes to a new level, finding inspiration in a variety of sources, including diverse cultures and eclectic aesthetics. Minimalist homes are casually elegant and rooted in attractive functionality; tidy but not stark, more California Coastal than Mid-Century Modern.

If you want to attract a Gen Z buyer (or decorate in a bold and carefree design style), consider a maximalist look. From the outside, maximalism may seem chaotic and over the top. But, to those who embrace the style, it’s wonderfully unconventional and extremely customizable.

Looking to appeal to the Millennial crowd? Think of what the trendiest hotels look like today: lots of reclaimed wood, eco-friendly furnishings, and an overall look that says “function over flare.” Then, copy that style, ensuring you have plenty of carefully placed plants and a few pieces of statement artwork.

 The Differences Between Maximalism and Minimalism 

There are several key differences between maximalism and minimalism in design. Learn what to focus on and play up to attract buyers who prefer these popular styles.

Visual appearance – Maximalist spaces are filled with texture, pattern, and color and are often contrasting and busy. Minimalist interiors feature few decorative items and only essential furnishings; everything is carefully chosen to be attractive and functional—often in a neutral or muted color palette.

Furnishings – Maximalist furnishings sometimes seem out of place and over the top to those who aren’t drawn to the look—think ornate styles and an eclectic mix of furniture often covered with unconventional fabrics (in surprising colors). Minimalist furnishings are simple; frequently understated and often made of sustainable materials.

Color – While maximalism focuses on bold, vivid color and vibrant hues mixed freely without regard to rule or exceptions, minimalism incorporates muted, monotone, and muted shades (like the ultra-popular Millennial Pink).

Emotional feel – Maximalist spaces can seem too busy, but those who love this design style find calm in what appears to some as a cluttered environment. A maximalist home decorator enjoys bringing personality into a space through fun furniture, colors, fabrics, and artwork. The creative process that fuels maximalist design suits many Gen Z members who are known for making their own way. On the flip side, the minimalist home is generally seen by all as a serene and relaxing one. Minimalist interiors that Millennials flock to don’t stimulate and excite but rather create a sense of comfort.

Why Care About the Differences Between Maximalism and Minimalism Decor? 

Knowing a bit about the design trends that today’s homebuyers embrace will help you ready your home for the market.

Gen Z is pushing maximalism to the extreme, so take note; roughly 48% of the members of this generational group opt for a bold design style, which can include Cottage Core and ramped up versions of Farmhouse and Bohemian Vintage styles. Wondering what specific decorating updates will attract maximalists? Consider gallery walls (packed with unique artwork), velvet and thrifted furniture, and lots of unusual knick-knacks.

Roughly 67% of Millennials prefer modern and tidy interiors, so win them over with clean design and open floor plans. This generational group loves blank walls with intentional and minimal decorating—monotone and muted colors and multi-functional furniture that softly speaks “attractive essential.”

Think you might stay in your home for a while? Take a look at maximalist and minimalist design to see which aspects of these styles you might love living with. And, note which decorating updates you can make without investing a lot of time and money, in case you want to change the style when you decide to sell.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.