One smart way to sell your home faster and get more money in Nigeria today is by staging it. Home staging means preparing your house to look its best so buyers will like it right away. This includes cleaning, fixing small problems, arranging furniture nicely, and making the home feel welcoming. In Nigeria’s busy property market, a good first impression is very important. When a home is well-staged, buyers can easily see its best features and imagine themselves living there. This helps your house stand out from others and can even increase its value. Whether you live in Lagos, Abuja, or any other city, using home staging tips can make selling your property quicker and more profitable. In this guide, we will share simple, practical ideas that Nigerian homeowners can use to sell their homes faster and for a better price.
Declutter your home
Decluttering means removing extra things that make your house look messy or small. Buyers like to see clean and open spaces because it helps them imagine living in the house. If your home is full of many things, it can be hard for buyers to see the real size and beauty of your rooms.
Why decluttering is important
If your homes is filled with personal items like clothes, shoes, toys, and decorations, potential buyers may not have the opportunity o assess the interior. While these things are important to you, they can make the house look crowded and untidy. When buyers come to see your home, they want to focus on the house itself, not your belongings. A cluttered home can make rooms look smaller and less attractive. This might make buyers lose interest or offer less money.
How to declutter your home
Check below simple steps you can follow to declutter your home before showing it to buyers:
- Start with one room at a time: It can be overwhelming to clean the whole house at once. Begin with one room, like the living room or bedroom. Take out things you do not need or use every day.
- Remove personal items: Take down family photos, awards, and personal decorations. Buyers want to imagine their own family living there, so it is better to keep things neutral.
- Clear surfaces: Tables, kitchen counters, and shelves should be mostly empty. Remove extra papers, dishes, and small items. Clean surfaces look bigger and more inviting.
- Organize closets and cabinets: Buyers often check storage spaces. If your closets are full and messy, it can give a bad impression. Put away clothes and items you don’t use in boxes or bags and store them somewhere else.
- Get rid of unnecessary furniture: If you have too many chairs, tables, or other furniture, remove some. Too much furniture can make rooms look small and crowded. Keep only the important pieces that fit well.
- Use storage boxes: If you have things you want to keep but don’t need right now, put them in boxes and store them in a safe place. This will open up space and make your home look tidy.
Benefits of decluttering
When you declutter your home, you will see many benefits, some of which are highlighted below:
- Rooms look bigger:Without many items, rooms feel more spacious and comfortable.
- Home looks cleaner: A tidy home gives a good impression and shows you take care of it.
- Buyers can imagine living there:When your home is simple and neat, buyers can see how they will use the space.
- Faster sale:A well-presented home attracts more buyers and sells faster.
- Better price:Buyers may offer more money because the home looks well cared for.
Deep clean every corner
A clean home looks fresh, well cared for, and more attractive to buyers. People often judge a home by how clean it is, so this can make a big difference.
Deep cleaning means more than just sweeping or wiping surfaces. It means cleaning places that are often forgotten or ignored. For example, clean under the beds, behind furniture, and inside cupboards. Wash windows so they are clear and let in more light. Clean the floors properly, whether they are tiles, wood, or carpet. If you have carpets, consider shampooing them to remove dirt and stains.
In Nigeria, dust and dirt can build up quickly because of the weather and traffic. So, it is important to clean walls, ceilings, and fans. Remove cobwebs from corners and make sure all light bulbs work. A clean home shows buyers that the house has been well looked after.
Don’t forget the outside of your home. Sweep the compound, trim the grass, and clean the porch or entrance. If you have a garden, remove dead leaves and water the plants. A neat outside space creates a good first impression.
Also, check for small repairs while cleaning. Fix leaking taps, broken tiles, or cracked walls. These small things can make a big difference when buyers visit.
Repair and maintain
Home buyers like to see a house that looks clean, strong, and ready to live in. If your house has broken things or looks old, buyers might think it will cost them extra money to fix it. This can make them offer less money or not want to buy at all.
First, check your house carefully. Look for things that need fixing, like broken doors, windows, or taps that leak. Also, check the roof for any holes or damage. If you find problems, try to fix them before you put your house for sale. Simple repairs can make a big difference. For example, painting walls that have marks or cracks can make the house look fresh and new.
Next, maintain the house by cleaning everywhere well. Sweep the floors, clean the windows, and remove any rubbish or old things. A clean house looks more attractive to buyers. Also, make sure the garden or compound is tidy. Cut the grass and remove weeds. A nice outside space can help buyers like your house more.
If you cannot fix everything by yourself, you can ask a carpenter, plumber, or electrician to help. Spending a little money on repairs can help you sell your house faster and for a better price. Remember, a house that looks cared for shows buyers that it is a good home.
Use neutral colors
Neutral colors are simple and soft colors like white, beige, light gray, and cream. These colors do not stand out too much and can make your home look clean and fresh.
Using neutral colors helps buyers imagine themselves living in the house. If your walls or rooms have very bright or strong colors, some buyers might not like them because they do not match their taste. But neutral colors are easy for everyone to accept. They create a calm and peaceful feeling, which makes the house look bigger and more welcoming.
Also, neutral colors make the rooms look brighter. When rooms have light colors, they reflect more light, making the space feel open and airy. This is important because many Nigerian homes can feel small or dark, especially if the windows are small or if the house is in a busy area. Bright rooms attract more buyers.
Another good thing about neutral colors is that they match well with different types of furniture and decorations. Whether the buyer likes modern or traditional styles, neutral walls will fit well with any furniture they bring. This helps buyers see how they can use the space without being distracted by unusual wall colors.
Maximize natural light
One easy way to make your home look bright and fresh is to use natural light well. Natural light means the sunlight that comes into your house through windows and doors.
First, open all the curtains and blinds during the day. This lets the sunlight come inside and makes the rooms look bigger and happier. People like houses that feel warm and welcoming. If your windows are dirty, clean them well so more light can enter. Clean windows help the sunlight shine better inside the rooms.
Next, try to keep the windows clear of any big furniture or heavy curtains that block the light. Move big chairs or tables away from windows so the sunlight can flow freely into the rooms. Use light-colored curtains or thin fabrics that let light pass through instead of thick, dark curtains.
Also, use mirrors in your rooms. Mirrors can reflect the sunlight and spread it around the room. This makes the space look even brighter and more open. Place mirrors opposite or near windows to catch the light and bounce it around.
In Addition, paint your walls in light colors like white, cream, or soft pastels. Light colors reflect sunlight better than dark colors, so rooms will look brighter and more inviting.
Arrange furniture for good flow
Good furniture arrangement helps the house look nice and makes buyers feel comfortable when they visit. It also shows how people can live in the house easily.
You should make sure there is enough space to walk around the rooms. If the furniture is too close together or blocks the way, buyers may feel the house is small or crowded. Try to leave clear paths so people can move freely from one part of the room to another. This is called good flow.
Also, place big furniture pieces like sofas and beds against the walls. This opens up the middle of the room and makes it look bigger. Avoid putting furniture in the middle where it can block movement. Also, arrange chairs and sofas so they face each other or a focal point like a TV or window. This makes the room look welcoming and easy to use.
It is important to remove any extra or broken furniture. Too many things can make the room look messy and smaller. Keep only the important pieces that show the room’s purpose. For example, in the living room, have a sofa, a coffee table, and maybe one or two chairs. In the bedroom, keep the bed and a small table or dresser.
Finally, think about how natural light comes into the room. Don’t block windows with big furniture. Light makes rooms look bright and fresh, which buyers like.
Enhance curb appeal
Curb appeal means how your house looks from the outside. When buyers come to see your house, the first thing they notice is the outside. If your home looks nice and clean, they will want to come inside and see more. But if it looks dirty or not taken care of, they might not be interested.
To make your home look good from outside, start by cleaning the yard. Cut the grass, remove weeds, and trim any trees or bushes. A neat garden makes your house look fresh and cared for. You can also plant some flowers or small plants to add color and make the place look lively.
Next, check the outside walls and paint. If the paint is old or peeling, try to repaint the walls with a fresh, clean color. A new paint job makes the house look new and attractive. Also, clean the windows and doors so they shine and look welcoming.
Another important thing is the front door. Make sure it is clean and works well. You can add a nice doormat or a small plant near the door to make it more inviting. If the door looks old, consider painting it or changing the handle to something better.
Furthermore, do not forget to fix any broken things outside, like broken fences, gates, or lights. A well-kept home shows buyers that the house is in good condition inside too.
Stage your outdoor spaces
Many homes have balconies, gardens, or terraces. These places can be very attractive to buyers if you show them how they can be used well. One good way to do this is by adding simple furniture to these outdoor areas.
If you have a balcony, you can put a small table and two chairs. This shows buyers that the balcony is a good place to relax in the morning or evening. It helps them imagine sitting there, enjoying fresh air or having a cup of tea. You do not need expensive furniture. Something simple and clean is enough to make the space look welcoming.
For a garden, you can place some chairs or a bench. You can also add a small table. This helps buyers see that the garden is not just empty space but a place for family or friends to come together. If you have plants, make sure they are healthy and green. A tidy garden with a few seats looks very attractive.
If your home has a terrace, you can use it as a place for entertaining guests. Put a few chairs and maybe a small table. You can also add some cushions to make it look comfortable. This shows buyers that the terrace can be a good place for parties or relaxing with friends. Again, keep it simple and clean.
When staging outdoor spaces, it is important to keep everything neat. Remove any old or broken furniture. Clean the floors and sweep leaves or dirt. A clean and organized outdoor space makes a good first impression.
Depersonalize your home space
You need to take away family photos and personal items from the house before showing it to buyers. Many people do not think about this, but it can make a big difference.
Why is it important to remove family photos and personal things? When buyers come to see your home, they want to imagine themselves living there. If they see pictures of your family or your personal belongings, it can be hard for them to think of the house as their own. They might feel like they are visiting someone else’s home, not a place they can call theirs.
By removing these personal items, you make the house look more neutral and open. This helps buyers to imagine their own family in the space. They can think about how they will arrange their furniture, where their children will play, or where they will celebrate special moments. When buyers can picture themselves living in the home, they are more likely to want to buy it.
Also, depersonalizing the space makes the house look cleaner and more organized. Personal items can sometimes make a room look crowded or messy. When you clear these things away, the rooms look bigger and more inviting. This can make a good first impression on buyers.
Some examples of personal items to remove are family photos, children’s drawings, trophies, and personal collections. You should also take away any religious or political decorations. Instead, use simple decorations like fresh flowers or neutral-colored cushions to make the home look nice without being too personal.
Highlight key features
When you highlight key features in your home while presenting it for sale, you will be subtly compelling the buyer to focus on what they will love about the home. You can think of it like showing off the things that make your house special and different from others.
If you have a modern kitchen, that’s a big plus. Make sure it looks clean and updated. Clear the countertops, organize the cabinets, and maybe add a few new appliances if you can. A nice kitchen can really attract buyers because it’s a place where families spend a lot of time.
A spacious living room is another feature to highlight. Arrange the furniture in a way that shows off the space. Get rid of extra chairs or tables that make the room feel crowded. A big, open living room gives buyers a sense of comfort and relaxation. Add some nice decorations, like fresh flowers or colorful pillows, to make it more inviting.
If your house has a great view, make sure to emphasize it. Clean the windows so they sparkle, and open the curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. A beautiful view can be a major selling point, especially in cities like Lagos or Abuja where nice views are rare.
Also, pay attention to any unique features your house might have. Maybe you have a well-maintained garden, a nice balcony, or a newly renovated bathroom. Whatever it is, make sure it looks its best. A little effort can go a long way in making these features stand out.
When you show off these key features, buyers will see the value in your house more easily. They’ll be more willing to pay a good price because they can see the benefits of living there. So, focus on making the best parts of your house shine, and you’ll have a better chance of selling it quickly and for more money.
Use professional photography
You should not overlook the importance of a professional photographer, who knows how to take bright and clear pictures of your house. Good photos can help you sell your home faster and for more money.
Why is this important? Many people today start looking for houses online. They check websites, social media, and property apps to find homes to buy. When they see pictures of your house, the first thing they notice is how the house looks in the photos. If the pictures are dark, blurry, or not clear, buyers may not want to see the house in person. But if the pictures are bright, clear, and show your house in the best way, buyers will be interested and want to come and see it.
A professional photographer knows how to make your home look attractive. They use good cameras, proper lighting, and the right angles to show the best parts of your house. For example, they know how to take pictures that make rooms look bigger and more welcoming. They also know how to avoid taking pictures that show messy or broken parts of the house.
Using professional photos online is very helpful. When you put your house for sale on websites, social media, or property apps, the photos are what catch people’s attention first. Good photos can make your home stand out from many other houses for sale. This means more people will call you or your agent to ask about the house.
Also, good photos can help you get a better price. When buyers see a house that looks nice and well taken care of, they are often willing to pay more. It shows that you have taken time to prepare your home for sale, and this builds trust.
Freshen up the home with paint
If the walls in your house look old, dirty, or have marks, it can make the whole house look tired and not well taken care of. This can make buyers lose interest or offer less money. But if you repaint the walls, your home will look new, clean, and attractive. This helps buyers feel good about the house and makes them want to buy it quickly.
Painting is not very expensive, but it can change the look of your home a lot. When you paint, choose light colors like white, cream, or soft pastels. These colors make rooms look bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. Dark or very bright colors can scare some buyers away because they may not like those colors or think the house needs more work.
Before you start painting, clean the walls well to remove dust and dirt. Fix any small holes or cracks with putty or filler. This will help the paint look smooth and nice. If you do the painting yourself, take your time and use good quality paint. If you can hire a painter, make sure they do a neat job.
Fresh paint also shows buyers that you care about your home. It gives the message that the house has been well looked after. This can make buyers trust that other parts of the house are also in good condition. A clean, fresh wall can make a big difference in how buyers see your home.
Focus on the bathrooms and kitchen
Your bathroom and kitchen matter a lot to buyers because they use them every day. If your bathroom and kitchen are clean and modern, it can help you sell your home faster and for more money.
First, cleaning is very important. Make sure the bathroom and kitchen are very clean. Clean the tiles on the floor and walls so they look nice and shiny. Dirty or stained tiles can make the whole place look old and not well taken care of. Also, clean the sinks, counters, and cupboards. If there is any dirt or bad smell, buyers may not like the house.
Next, check the taps and pipes. Broken or leaking taps can make buyers worry about extra costs for repairs. Fix any taps that drip or do not work well. Make sure the water flows properly in both the kitchen and bathroom. If you can, replace old taps with new ones. New taps look modern and can make the bathroom and kitchen look better.
Small upgrades can also help a lot. You do not need to spend a lot of money, but small changes can make a big difference. For example, you can change old cabinet handles or add new light bulbs. Bright lights make the kitchen and bathroom look fresh and welcoming. You can also add a simple shelf or rack to keep things organized.
If your bathroom or kitchen looks old or very worn out, buyers may think the whole house needs repairs. But if these rooms look clean and modern, buyers will feel the house is well cared for. This can make them want to buy your home faster and may even make them willing to pay more money.
Remove bad odors
A bad smell can make buyers feel uncomfortable and may stop them from wanting to buy your home. So, removing bad odors is a simple but powerful way to help sell your house faster and for more money.
First, you should clean your house well. Sometimes, bad smells come from dirt, dust, or old food. Make sure you clean the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas properly. Throw away garbage and check places where bad smells can hide, like under the sink or in the trash bin. Also, wash curtains, carpets, and cushions because they can hold bad smells.
Next, it is very important to let fresh air into your home. Open windows and doors during the day to allow air to flow through the rooms. This helps to remove any bad odors and brings in fresh air. In Nigeria, the dry season is a good time to do this because the air is fresh and clean.
In addition, you should avoid using strong perfumes or air fresheners. Some people think that spraying strong smells will cover bad odors, but this can actually make buyers feel worse. Strong smells can be too much and may cause headaches or allergies. Instead, use natural scents like fresh flowers, lemon, or baking soda. These natural smells are gentle and make your home feel clean and welcoming.
You can also place bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds in rooms to absorb bad smells. These are natural and safe ways to keep your house smelling good without using chemicals. You should equally remember, the goal is to make buyers feel comfortable and happy when they enter your home. A fresh-smelling house shows that you take good care of your property. It also helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
Use simple decorations
Simple decorations will help your home look nice and welcoming without making it look too full or messy. Buyers like to see homes that feel cozy and clean. You do not need to spend a lot of money or buy many things to make your home attractive. Just a few small decorations can change the look of your house and make it easier to sell.
One easy way to decorate is by adding some plants. Plants bring life and color to a room. They make the space feel fresh and calm. You can use small potted plants on tables or bigger plants in corners. Green plants are good because they match with almost any color and style. Just make sure the plants are healthy and look good. Dead or dry plants can make the home look bad.
Another simple decoration is cushions. Cushions on chairs or sofas make the living room look comfortable. Choose cushions with soft colors that match the room. Avoid very bright or strange colors because they might not please everyone. Cushions also add a soft touch that makes buyers feel like the home is a nice place to relax.
Rugs are also helpful decorations. A rug can make a room look warm and neat. It can also help to separate spaces in a big room. For example, a rug under the dining table or in the living room can make the area look complete. Choose rugs that are clean and in good condition. Simple designs or plain colors work best because they do not distract buyers.
The key is to keep decorations simple and not too many. If a room is full of many things, it can look crowded and small. Buyers want to imagine their own things in the house, so too many decorations can make this hard. By adding only a few plants, cushions, or rugs, you make the home look cozy and nice without crowding it.
Price your home right
The first step to pricing your home right is to research the local market well. This means you should find out how much similar houses in your area are selling for. For example, houses in Lagos or Abuja have different prices depending on their location, size, and condition. Knowing these prices helps you set a fair price for your home.
Setting a price that is too high may scare away serious buyers. They might think your house is expensive and not even come to see it. On the other hand, pricing too low means you lose money. So, the goal is to find a price that is fair and attractive. This will bring more interested buyers quickly and may even start a bidding competition, which can raise your final selling price.
You can also talk to local real estate agents who know the market well. They can give you advice based on recent sales and current demand. Using their knowledge helps you avoid mistakes in pricing. Remember, the Nigerian housing market is quite fair overall, so prices you see usually reflect the true value of the property.
Market your home well
When you want to sell your home fast and for a good price in Nigeria, marketing your home well is very important. Marketing means telling many people about your house so more buyers can see it. Today, using online listings, social media, and real estate agents is the best way to reach many buyers quickly.
First, online listings are websites where you can put your house details, pictures, and price. Many Nigerians now search for homes online, so putting your house on popular sites helps more people find it easily. This is faster than just telling people by word of mouth.
Second, social media like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are very powerful tools. You can share photos and videos of your house to attract buyers. Many people use these platforms every day, so your home can get seen by thousands of people. Using social media also lets you answer questions and talk to buyers directly, which builds trust and interest.
Third, working with real estate agents helps a lot. Agents know the market well and have many buyers looking for homes. They can advertise your house to their contacts and guide you through the selling process. Combining good home staging with the agent’s marketing skills makes your house stand out.
Be ready for viewings
Buyers who want to buy your house may decide come to see it without much notice. Because of this, you must keep your home clean and tidy every day during the selling process. This will help you sell your home faster and get more money.
First, cleaning your home every day makes a good first impression. When buyers come to visit, they want to see a house that looks nice and well kept. If your house is dirty or messy, buyers may think you do not take care of it. This can make them lose interest or offer less money. But if your home is clean, buyers will feel comfortable and imagine themselves living there.
Second, keeping your home tidy means putting things in order. Make sure furniture is arranged neatly and there is no clutter on the floors, tables, or counters. Remove personal items like family photos or too many decorations. This helps buyers focus on the house itself, not your personal stuff. A tidy home looks bigger and more welcoming.
Third, do small cleaning tasks every day. Sweep or mop the floors, dust the furniture, clean the bathrooms, and wipe kitchen surfaces. Also, empty trash bins regularly and make sure there are no bad smells. If your home smells fresh, it will attract buyers. You can open windows to let fresh air in.
Finally, be ready to quickly fix small problems. If you see a light bulb is off or a door is squeaking, fix it fast. Buyers notice small things and this shows you care about your home.
Create emotional appeal in the mind of buyers
When buyers come to see your home, they should be able to imagine themselves living there happily. If your house feels cold or empty, buyers may not feel connected to it. But if it feels like a nice, comfortable place, they will want to buy it.
To create this warm feeling, start by cleaning your home very well. A clean house looks cared for and welcoming. Next, remove too many personal items like family photos or very strong decorations. This helps buyers imagine their own family in the house, not yours.
You can also use simple decorations to make the house feel cozy. For example, put fresh flowers in a vase or place some nice cushions on the sofa. Soft lighting, like lamps instead of harsh ceiling lights, can make rooms feel more comfortable. If your home has a living room, arrange the furniture so it looks inviting for people to sit and relax.
Another good idea is to make sure the house smells nice. You can open windows to let fresh air in or use mild air fresheners. Avoid strong smells from cooking or pets because these can turn buyers away.
In the kitchen and dining areas, set the table nicely as if you are ready to have guests. This shows buyers that the house is a good place for family and friends to gather. In bedrooms, keep the beds made and use soft colors for bed covers to make the rooms look restful and peaceful.
Outside the house, make sure the entrance is clean and tidy. A nice welcome mat or some potted plants by the door can make a good first impression. Buyers start to feel good about the house before they even enter.
Conclusion
From the information provided above, you will agree that staging your home well is very important if you want to sell it faster and get more money in Nigeria. When you clean your house, remove personal items, and make it look neat and welcoming, buyers will like it more. Simple things like fresh flowers, soft lighting, and nice furniture arrangement can make your home feel warm and inviting. Also, making sure your house smells good and looks attractive outside helps a lot. When buyers feel comfortable and can imagine living happily in your home, they are ready to buy quickly and pay a better price. So, spending some time and effort on home staging is a smart way to sell your house faster and for a good price. Remember, a well-presented home stands out and attracts more buyers in the Nigerian market.
