What a difference a door makes
By: Karen Light, Accredited Staging Professional, Lead Stager
It’s fair to say that most everyone understands the importance of curb appeal when selling a home.
In home staging, we mostly focus on the interior of a house, showcasing the architectural elements and appropriation of space with furniture placement and accessorizing to highlight a room’s purpose. Our main objective is creating the maximum appeal for the broadest spectrum of buyers. Because the first impression of a house begins outside, we stage the entryway to sparkle, setting an inviting and welcoming tone.
In a staging consultation, we advise sellers on how to stage a property themselves, room by room, starting with the entryway and ending in the backyard.
We first have the homeowner stand at the front path, objectively seeing what the house looks like to interested buyers.
Our recommendations typically include, updating and polishing hardware, a new entryway mat and planting flowers in pots for added cheerfulness.
However, the single most important element, the crown jewel of any entryway, is the front door.
Like a smile or a frown, a front door conveys an expression of the homeowner. If the door and hardware are bright and shiny, that translates to care and pride of ownership and an immediate feeling of positivity. If a door is dated, lackluster or cracked, it reads neglected and the first impression is unwelcoming or at very least, forgettable.
There’s a great old quote by the comedian and actor, Milton Berle, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” The literal version for staging is, “if you want your listing to shine, paint your front door.”
Painting a door is a cost effective day project, that has huge impact.
We recommend looking at exterior door inspiration on Pinterest to see the latest and best color choices, keeping your facade and trim colors in mind. A quick trip to the paint store and a five minute online tutorial on “how to paint a door”and you’re makeover ready.
If the front door is smiling, everyone else is smiling too!