From Real Estate Insider magazine

Using psychology to stage a home for sale is a smart way to make a good impression. Staging has a greater impact than simply cleaning the home and making it presentable. In fact, home staging can sell a home almost 50 percent faster than a home that has not been staged. 

Statistics also show that well-staged homes can sell for up to 11 percent more than a home that was only cleaned. Advising sellers to stage their home is effective in increasing both value and appeal. If that wasn’t enough incentive, it’s important to let sellers know staging can also increase their home’s appraisal value.

Principles of psychology in home staging

One of the most important goals of staging is to make the home desirable to the prospective buyer. You want them to be able to imagine themselves and their family in the home and form an attachment on an emotional level. Knowing effective principles of staging, such as colors to use on walls for the best impact or arrangement and display of accessories, inspires the most positive feelings. Creating a feeling of spaciousness so potential buyers feel like there is a lot of room in the home is also crucial. Space or the illusion of space is a big selling point. Here are some home staging tips to consider:

First impressions

• Curb appeal is vital. Advise sellers to clean entryways, paint the front door, place an attractive mat at the entrance and keep lawns manicured and bushes trimmed.

Colors

• Bold colors such as red have a positive impact when they’re used as accents. To showcase a pure marble countertop, place a red item on top of it to attract the eye. On the other hand, do not overuse the color red; it should only be an accent.
• Colors such as green and blue create a relaxing and cozy ambiance. These colors are best used in areas such as bedrooms and baths. As with other colors, it’s advisable not to overuse them. 
• Neutrals such as yellow, taupe, beige, cream and white brighten rooms and create positive energy.

Human side

• Advise sellers to remove excessive personal photos and children’s artwork. While personal objects can serve to help potential buyers see the house as a home for their family, too many personal items could distract from the buyer’s ability to see themselves living in the home.

Clean space

• Remove excess furniture to create an uncluttered look. Any non-essential furniture should be taken out and stored temporarily. Buyers want a feeling of spaciousness, not overcrowding. 

Never underestimate the power of cookies!

• The enticing and mouthwatering smell of freshly baked cookies could potentially seal the deal by making a strong psychological tie of warmth and happiness to your seller’s home. If baking isn’t your thing, cookie-scented (or other delightful-smelling) air fresheners and candles can be sparingly used instead. Either way, cookie or candles, the key is to avoid harsh, unpleasant odors. Even a neutral scent could leave your house unsold. 

Creating a positive first impression is the most important impact of staging. By using a few basic psychology tips, you can improve a potential buyer’s initial impression and, hopefully, make the sale more quickly.

– See more at: http://www.realestateinsidermag.com