Staging Helps Sell Houses
Selling Tip - Creating a Welcoming Entryway
Carol & Randy Heimpel, Home STEPS
416-686-9943 | carolann@consultant.com
A foyer sets the tone for the home and is very important to address when staging. Foyers require closed storage units such as cupboards or armoires to hide items that are not used everyday. Accessible open storage such as hooks and hall trees should not be overloaded and should only be used to hold items which are used on a regular basis. Many homes fail to offer the necessary storage in this area which is a significant design flaw in the organization of the home. This situation must be rectified at the time of staging the home for re-sale.
The addition of a flat surface in the entry is another indicator of good organization in defining the functionality of this space. Placing a bench, console table or small mounted shelf in the foyer provides a space to deposit mail, keys, loose change, and any other important items at the time of entering and exiting the home. Decorative pieces added later can give the arrangement greater personality and warmth. An accompanying mirror can serve to reflect light and open the space. It also provides an opportunity for a last minute appearance check on the way out.
The best flooring for the entryway is easy to clean and serviceable. Tile or linoleum in a neutral shade is a safe choice. Avoid hardwood or laminate floors in this area which will not do well with moisture. An area rug will serve to catch debris, but should be removed at the time of a showing.
Overhead lighting in the foyer should set the tone for the rest of the home. It should be tasteful, but not overwhelming. Auxiliary lighting from a small table lamp will soften the space.
Consider providing some seating arrangement in this area which can serve double duty as a potential storage unit and a location for adding and removing footwear. Such an item can take the form of a bench or a stool (which can also double as a tabletop). Even a folding chair hung on the wall is an excellent choice when the floor space is limited, and can add an interesting decorative element to a plain wall surface.
Though a home may lack a formal entry defined by walls and/or a staircase, many of the key elements we’ve mentioned can be added to the space to delineate the foyer and give this space a greater sense of balance and purpose.
Hope these tips have been of some benefit to you in offering suggestions for preparing a home for re-sale. In this competitive market, it is increasingly important to recognize that staging sells houses and that our job at Home STEPS is to simply teach economical practical solutions to design challenges for you.
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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information - 416-388-1960
