Median home prices in the area have risen dramatically over the past two years, with the average price of single-family Kihei homes for sale topping $1,272,500, an increase of 27% over the last year. But even in the hot Kihei real estate market, savvy sellers know the value of properly prepping and staging their home before listing it. Proper staging can help sell your home quicker and for a higher sales price.
Before hiring an interior decorator, keep in mind that staging is more than simply redecorating. Staging a home for sale means you will be transforming a highly personal lived-in space into a stylish and attractive blank canvas. It’s a subtle but significant difference — you want to make your home welcoming and inviting, but in a way so buyers can fully envision themselves living happily in this particular home.
So how do you make sure your home makes an excellent first impression in the crowded Kihei real estate market? Here are some helpful dos and don’ts to make sure your home stands out from the competition.
Help your Kihei real estate stand out
Do: Take a comprehensive inventory
The first thing you need to do is evaluate your home and determine which (if any) problem areas need to be addressed. That means looking critically at your home and writing down observable imperfections. It’s best to start at the home’s driveway or entry and log any imperfections or wear as you continue throughout each room of your home.
Once you have a list, divide it into priority projects — the must-do’s, should-do’s, and could-do’s. Organize each of these lists into tasks that you can complete yourself and those that will require the help of a professional. Get estimates if necessary for those that fall into the latter category.
This step can also help you determine which repairs are worthwhile. While some repairs may be necessary, others might not be worth the investment.
Don’t: Forget curb appeal
The adage that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” holds when selling your home. Potential buyers are wading through dozens of homes for sale, and they can decide whether or not to schedule a visit based entirely on the home’s exterior appearance.
This is an excellent place to start, especially when prioritizing repairs or updates. Ensure the home’s exterior, entry, walkway, and front yard are clean and blemish-free. Some things to consider when spiffing up the exterior of Kihei homes for sale include:
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Power washing: Power washing siding, stone, brick, and other exterior surfaces can make a home look new. Don’t forget to power wash porches, decks, driveways, and walkways. Take care around windows, caulking, or painted surfaces so you don’t create damage you will have to repair later.
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Repainting: If painted surfaces are peeling, worn, or faded, it may be worth the investment to repaint the home’s exterior. If that isn’t feasible from a cost standpoint, consider painting trim or doorways to give the house a fresh look.
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Updating lighting: To brighten up your home’s exterior, new or additional light fixtures are a relatively quick and inexpensive way to elevate your home’s curb appeal, adding a warm aesthetic and safety. There are several attractive, easy-to-install lighting options available.
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Making necessary repairs: Cracked sidewalks or drives can make even the most beautiful home look tired and worn. Repair or replace any damaged hardscapes and imperfections in gutters, downspouts, windows, or doors. If you want to increase your home’s impact, consider completely replacing entry doors or garage doors, two improvements that have a great return on resale value.
Do: Focus on landscaping
Attractive landscaping is critical to your home’s curb appeal, meaning trees should be neatly trimmed, and all plants must appear healthy and thriving. Replace any overgrown or unhealthy plants with colorful, hardy varieties from your local garden center. Add fresh mulch and new edging as well.
If your lawn needs a lift, plan to allow time for reseeding or establishing new sod. You can also add pops of color to your home’s entry with attractive pots, colorful annuals, or lush hanging planters.
Don’t: Forget the details
While we are focusing on curb appeal, think about adding a new patio, porch, or deck furniture that is warm and inviting. A bistro table or comfortable seating can set the stage, while a beautiful seasonal wreath or new welcome mat can add to your home’s welcoming vibe. You may also want to replace the mailbox or house numbers, which are relatively inexpensive and add a stylish impact to your home.
Do: Organize and declutter
Once the exterior of your home has been refreshed, it’s time to transform the interior. During this stage, you will need to get rid of or store absolutely everything that isn’t necessary. This means removing personal items, photographs, mementos, and anything taking up space.
The goal of decluttering is to remove personal effects and items that could cause the potential buyer to feel like they aren’t walking through their future home. Pay attention to closets, drawers, garages, and other storage areas. Because the primary goal of staging is to give buyers a blank canvas where they can envision themselves, it’s imperative to create a space that appeals to a broad range of tastes. This is also a good point to evaluate if your furniture and decor are neutral enough to meet those needs or if you should consider renting furniture from a professional staging company.
Don’t: Forget to clean
A properly staged home must be spotless — every surface needs to sparkle. This may be the time to hire professional cleaners to do the dirty work for you. Deep clean light fixtures, baseboards, windows, appliances, etc.
A deep cleaning may also help you identify any repairs or replacements that need to be made to the interior. Scuffs on woodwork or dingy paint may require some touch-ups or possibly hiring a professional to repaint walls or woodwork in neutral colors.
Find a Kihei real estate agent today
For more information on staging your home properly when you are ready to sell, consult with an experienced Kihei real estate professional like Deanna Davis of Ohana Real Estate. Deanna can help you identify competitive Kihei homes for sale and guarantee that you get the most for your luxury home.