Plymouth MA Open Houses 101: How to Stage your Home to Secure the Sale

Why Staging an Open House is Important for Sellers

Buying a home is a sentimental affair, and considering that a majority of homeowners get to buy a property only once in their lifetime, you must speak to their desires and emotional motivations for making a purchase. But, as real estate professionals, we are often caught up in the bureaucracy of hunting down leads and creating larger-than-life marketing campaigns to attract our next clients.

Marketing campaigns are crucial to the success of any business, but in 2023, it is equally important to intrigue the imagination. Ads are great at capturing the attention of prospective buyers but to be honest, sometimes they miss the mark in connecting to emotions and imagination.

Nothing speaks to the emotion and imagination of a prospective buyer more than a well-choreographed open house staging. Understanding the client’s needs and motivation for purchase gives the seller a chance to stage the property in a way that best intrigues the prospective buyer. It also gives the buyer a chance to imagine and literally “fantasize” about their ownership of the property.

What Exactly is Open House Staging?

Open house staging refers to the process of arranging and decorating your home in a way that highlights its best features, creates an inviting ambiance, and helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. The secret to an open house is to make a lasting impression.

Therefore, Inviting prospective clients to experience the house you are selling can create a significant emotional connection that might just tip the scales in your favor when it comes to selling – but, only if the staging is done correctly. Property statistics in the US suggest that up to 85% of homes sold between 5 and 23% more after staging. A staged home also spends 73% less time on the market compared to a non-staged home. 

Needless to say that in the bustling real estate market of Plymouth, MA, open houses have become a crucial component of the home-selling process. Open-house staging is not a new concept. It is as old as the property business itself. However, it is rarely talked about as a tool that can help realtors and property sellers close deals. But, most first-time homebuyers usually close deals after successful open house staging.

Understanding the Housing Market in Plymouth, MA

Plymouth, MA is a vibrant and sought-after real estate market, known for its historical charm, coastal beauty, and thriving community. The competition among property sellers can be fierce because of the high demand for homes in the city.

Staging your home for an open house in Plymouth, MA can make a significant difference in capturing the attention of potential buyers. Presenting your property in its best light can create an inviting and appealing atmosphere that resonates with prospective buyers. 

When it comes to staging a home for an open house in Plymouth, MA, it’s important to consider factors specific to the local market. The coastal location and historical significance of Plymouth may influence the preferences and expectations of potential buyers. It is, therefore, advisable to tailor your staging efforts to align with the area’s unique characteristics. It is also equally important to appreciate and acknowledge the history of the city and its demography when staging your home.

Preparing Your Home for an Open House in Plymouth MA

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the basics of open housing in Plymouth, let’s get into the preliminaries of staging. These steps seem mundane but are part of a crucial step towards making an unforgettable open house presentation. 

There is a misconception that homes in sought-after neighborhoods like Lakeview Blvd. might not need open housing. On the contrary, open house staging in such neighborhoods is critical for realtors. You see a great open house staging is not just a highlight of the home, it also speaks volumes about the agent or seller. If you are an agent, think of it as a way to indirectly sell yourself. 

A prospective buyer might not necessarily purchase the staged home but might be impressed enough to refer you to another potential buyer. Nevertheless, your property is sure to stand out among other Plymouth homes for sale no matter how competitive the residential property market is in the city. 

Clean and Declutter Your Home

Before hosting an open house, it’s important to ensure that your home is clean, tidy, and free of clutter. This applies to all areas, from the entryway to the bedrooms and everything in between. A clean and clutter-free environment creates a positive impression on the buyer. A clean and pristine house entices the buyer to enquire more about the home and motivates them to take their time in evaluating the property. This creates a lasting impression. 

Make Necessary Repairs and Improvements

Assess the home for any repairs or improvements that need to be addressed before the open house. This includes fixing leaky faucets, repairing damaged walls, or replacing worn-out flooring. Attending to these issues demonstrates that your property has been well-maintained. This increases the buyer’s confidence and willingness to pay the proposed value of your home. Improvements also involve updating or modernizing fixtures like switches, window panes, and bulbs.

Maximize Curb Appeal

The curb appeal of your home is equally important. Enhance the exterior of your property by maintaining the landscaping, cleaning the driveway and walkways, and ensuring the front door and porch are well-maintained and inviting. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior, updating the mailbox, or adding tasteful outdoor lighting to highlight the beauty of your property.

Staging Your Home for Open Houses in Plymouth, MA

Staging involves highlighting features of the property. There are key rooms of the house that need to be immaculate, and sometimes picturesque, to entice the potential buyer. Frequently used spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom need to be the focal point of any open house staging. The furniture, painting, and other fittings need to accentuate the character of the home and the same time appeal to the buyer’s desires.

Highlight the key rooms to focus on during the staging process

Living room

The living room is often the heart of the home. Create an inviting space by arranging furniture in a way that promotes conversation and highlights unique features of the space such as a fireplace or large windows that bring in natural lighting. Choose neutral colors for the walls and incorporate tasteful decor to enhance the overall ambiance.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another crucial space that buyers pay close attention to. Declutter countertops, organize cabinets and ensure all appliances are clean and in working order. Consider adding fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit to add a touch of freshness and vibrancy. Highlight any desirable features such as granite countertops or modern appliances.

Bedrooms

Create a relaxing and comfortable environment in the bedrooms. Use neutral bedding and arrange furniture to showcase the size and functionality of the space. Remove personal items and create a serene atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers.

Bathrooms

Cleanliness and organization are essential in the bathrooms. Clear countertops, fresh towels, and tasteful decor can elevate the space. Consider adding scented candles or fresh flowers to create a spa-like ambiance. Pay attention to details like grout and caulking – ensure they are clean and well-maintained.

Furniture arrangement and layout

Strategic furniture arrangement can help buyers envision the potential of each room. Consider the flow of traffic and create a sense of space by removing any unnecessary or bulky furniture. The furniture should also help in highlighting features such as size, natural light, and views. 

Creating a neutral color palette

Opting for a neutral color palette throughout your home is a wise choice when staging for open houses. Neutral colors create a clean and fresh backdrop that allows potential buyers to imagine their style and personal touches. Incorporate soft shades of beige, gray, or white on walls, furniture, and decor.

Enhancing natural light and ambiance

Natural light greatly enhances the appeal of your home. This is especially true for houses in Plymouth, MA. Experiencing the beauty of waterfront living on Lakeview Blvd., for example, requires homes to have great natural light. Open curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Ensure that windows are clean and unobstructed. Use strategically placed mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness.

Creating an Inviting Atmosphere for Your Open House

Lighting

Proper lighting can transform the mood of a space and create a welcoming ambiance. Ensure that each room is well-lit, both naturally and artificially. Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and consider using warm-toned light bulbs to create a cozy atmosphere. Dimmer switches can also be effective in adjusting the lighting to different settings and creating a sense of versatility in the space.

Scent

Pleasant scents can have a powerful impact on the perception of a home. Consider using subtle, neutral scents or fresh aromas, such as citrus or lavender, to create a pleasing and inviting environment. Be mindful not to use overpowering scents that may deter visitors or trigger allergies. Using scented candles, air fresheners, or freshly baked goods can help create an appealing aroma throughout the house.

Music

Soft background music can add an extra layer of ambiance and create a familiar atmosphere during your open house. The music should be unobtrusive, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the space and engage in conversations.

Refreshments

Offering refreshments can make visitors feel welcome and encourage them to spend more time in your home. Provide a selection of light snacks, beverages, and water stations strategically placed throughout the house. Consider incorporating a theme that reflects the character of Plymouth, MA, such as serving locally sourced treats or featuring a signature beverage. This attention to detail can leave a positive impression on potential buyers.

Personalized touches

Adding personalized touches can create a sense of warmth and make visitors feel more connected to the home. Consider showcasing unique features or items that hold significance such as local artwork, historical photographs, or mementos that reflect the charm of Plymouth. These touches can create an emotional connection with potential buyers and help them envision themselves living in the space.

Clear signage and informative materials

Ensure that your open house is well-marked with clear signage to guide visitors to your property. Additionally, provide informative materials such as brochures, flyers, or a fact sheet highlighting the key features, amenities, and selling points of your home. This will allow potential buyers to take away valuable information about the property after the open house.

Promote and Market Open Houses in Plymouth with Ardor Homes Massachusetts

In summary, hosting open houses in Plymouth is a crucial component of the home-selling process for realtors and home sellers in the area. By incorporating effective strategies, such as proper staging, fixing repairs, and creating an inviting atmosphere, you can exponentially increase the chances of attracting potential buyers and securing a successful sale.

So, you have an open house coming up soon and, thanks to this comprehensive guide,  you are now aware of what you need to do to increase your chances of closing a sale. Now, let’s get as many potential buyers as possible to come to your open house. You’ll need to partner with the best real estate professional in Massachusetts. Ardor Homes Massachusetts should be your first choice. 

Ardor Homes Massachusetts was launched by Kris in 2022, after obtaining his real estate license and joining eXp Realty in Massachusetts. Kris built the platform with the aim of providing exceptional real estate services that buyers and sellers can trust. Ardor Homes Massachusetts additionally offers leads

for partner companies and realtors. So, it’s not just about promoting your open house, but also targeting and attracting prospective buyers who are currently looking for your property. Kris also offers consultation services in all areas of real estate marketing. Partner with Kris through Home by Ardor today and give your property the best chance of finding a new owner.

Steph Wilkinson

In her 25-year career, Steph Wilkinson has been involved in the acquisition, marketing and sales of over $3 Billion dollars of residential real estate. A number of years ago, Steph transitioned into Brokerage Leadership for National real estate brands and tech start-ups. She has served as a Business Strategist for real estate agents and brokerages alike and is also a real estate coach and trainer. In her new role with the Iconic Team, Steph will be responsible for the growth of the team and will be working with all of our agents to increase their productivity and bottom line.