The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Staging for Rentals
I just purchased my first rental property, and I want to do everything I can to get top dollar for it. Maybe you’re in the same position, or perhaps you’re just looking to make a good impression on potential renters. In either case, home staging is a critical step.
In this post, I’ll go through some of the steps I will be taking to stage my rental property as I prepare to find renters.
Research the Rental Market in Your Area
I know the first thing I must do is figure out what renters in my area want in their homes. So before I start staging my rental property, I will take some time to do some research and figure out what is popular in my area. You can do this online, by going to local open houses or by speaking to the neighbors. I know the people who live near my new rental property, so I’ll be checking with neighbors primarily.
When doing your own research, you should be looking for a few things. What kind of finishes and furniture are renters looking for? What design aesthetic is popular — farmhouse, boho, cottagecore, eclectic? Once you have a good idea, try to mimic those styles in your own home.
Stage With a Neutral Palette
One of the most important things to remember when staging a rental property is to keep the palette neutral. You want potential renters to be able to imagine themselves living in the space, and vivid colors or busy patterns can be distracting. I will be using grays and beiges on the walls, with pops of color coming from decorative pillows, bedding sets, window treatments and faux flowers (best to avoid allergens), because they are simple to swap out for any renter who decides they don’t like what I’ve put together.
I will also add in my lease contract that renters are allowed to paint the walls if they want something more vibrant or colorful, but they will do so at their own cost, and they’ll have to paint it again in neutral colors before they leave or risk losing their security deposit.
Use Furniture and Decor to Highlight the Best Features of the Rental
One of the best tips I’ve received for staging homes is to use furniture and decor to highlight the best features of the property. For example, if you have a beautiful view, place your furniture so that it takes advantage of that view.
In my case, I’ll be putting the dining room table right next to the windows at the front of the house because there is a beautiful garden to enjoy while sitting and eating. You could also put a sofa or some chairs facing a large window instead of a wall with a television.
If your rental property has an open layout, you can also use furniture and decor to create functional spaces. If you’re not sure what to do, here are a few more tips that might help:
· Use the same flooring throughout to make the space feel even larger.
· Use similar colors throughout the home for a well-coordinated look and to avoid clashing styles from one room to the next.
· Create invisible boundaries for each room by strategically positioning furniture, large lamps, rugs and/or plants to define the space.
Make Sure the Staging Is Appropriate for the Type of Rental
When staging a rental property, it’s important to make sure that the staging is appropriate for the type of rental. For example, you wouldn’t want to use expensive furniture and decor in a property that’s in a low-cost housing market or that caters to families with young children and pets. Alternatively, you don’t want to go too cheap if you’re staging a home in an area filled with high power business professionals.
Think about what type of tenant you’re targeting and use furniture and decor that will appeal to them. If you’re targeting students, for example, then using trendy furniture and decor at lower price points is a good idea. If you’re targeting families like I intend to do, then using more durable and comfortable furniture and decor is a better choice. I plan to incorporate soft and washable fabrics throughout the home (nothing all-white) and I’ll be putting washable furniture covers on the sofa and chairs in the living room.
Don’t Use Personal Items in the Staging
One of the most important things to remember when staging your rental property is to avoid using personal items. While you may think that adding in some family photos or homemade art will make the home feel more like home, it can actually have the opposite effect. Potential renters will be looking for clues that tell them this is their new home, not yours. So when they see your personal items, it can make them feel like they’re intruding on your space and stop them from signing the lease.
Don’t Clutter the Space
Whatever you do with the decor in the home, remember less is more, and do whatever is necessary to avoid cluttering the space. You want potential renters to be able to walk through the home imagining themselves living in the space, and picturing what they might add here and there. Only add minimal decor to give it style. This will help create a sense of spaciousness and make the property more appealing to renters.
For example, in the home I purchased, I will only be adding new bedding and curtains to the three bedrooms. I won’t be adding any wall art or displaying knickknacks of any kind because I want my potential renters to see I have created a starting point, but they also have an otherwise blank canvas to work with if they prefer.
Conclusion
When it comes to home staging for rentals, there are a few key things to remember. First and foremost, always put your tenant’s needs first. While you may want to style the property in a way that makes it look as appealing as possible for you, you must remember that your tastes may not necessarily be the same as your renters’ tastes. Stick to simple and neutral decor that will appeal to a wide range of renters. By following these simple tips, you can help your rental property stand out from the competition.
