Ask any realtor and they would say that lighting is one of the key elements to focus on when selling real estate. They will also say that for potential homebuyers, abundant natural light is a top priority, as well as indoor lighting that strikes the perfect balance between function and style.
Planning on selling your property? In this article, you’ll find out more about how good lighting can make all the difference when selling a home. It pays to know the different types of lighting — including natural and artificial light sources — that you can use to increase your property’s resale value.
One of the most important things to consider when staging a house for sale is lighting. Good lighting makes a space feel open and welcoming and highlights the best qualities of the property. It also sets the mood for celebrations, whether it is daytime or nighttime. All these consequently improve real estate value, which is significant for anyone planning to sell their property.
Considering the key role that lighting plays when staging a house for sale, a San Francisco realtor can help make sure that potential buyers have the best home showing experience. A realtor would know which areas of the house need improvement and what modifications can be done prior to the visit. Here are the different types of lighting to take note of:
- Natural lighting
- Indoor lighting
- Task lighting
- Outdoor lighting
- Architectural lighting
Taking advantage of natural light is one of the most cost-effective ways of staging a house for sale. This takes the least amount of work to achieve when you utilize existing windows and doors. Floor to ceiling windows and skylights are some of the best types of windows that allow natural light to flow in beautifully, but there are also other types of windows to consider in the event that your realtor recommends upgrades prior to selling.
Different types of indoor lights such as chandeliers, standing lamps, and wall lamps are typical in every home, and it’s how these pieces come together that make a home more appealing. Some types of lighting are decorative pieces that serve as the focal point of the room and some are minor pieces such as desk and side table lamps. While seemingly supplementary, they still contribute to making the staged property more striking and memorable.
Task lighting is targeted lighting for areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and office. In the kitchen, task lighting is necessary for the island and sink, while in the bathroom, task lighting is necessary for the vanity area, particularly above and around the mirrors. If your property has a home office, library, or study room, recessed lighting is used to illuminate dark corners, as well as to light paintings, photographs, and bookshelves.
In some cases, home showing is scheduled at nighttime, especially for properties that offer a view of the city. Cityscapes look even more wonderful at night, and with the right outdoor lighting, potential buyers will be able to appreciate the property better. Moreover, the right kind of lighting is important to showcase the home’s outdoor features such as the facade, landscape, and swimming pool. Lighting will help show how these areas are just as great to spend time in at night as it is in daytime.
Oftentimes perceived as an artform, architectural lighting in luxury homes is used to transform the experience of the space. It plays with structures, shadows, and colors and highlights key features of the architecture and interior design.
Apart from the different types of lighting, here are other tips to help maximize good lighting when staging your property for sale:
- Inspect and clean windows. Windows let all the natural light in, and it only makes sense to have the windows inspected and cleaned prior to the home showing. Check for dust and cracks in the glass, sill, and insect screens. If your windows aren’t energy efficient, this is something worth exploring to increase resale value.
- Replace light bulbs. Some light bulbs may be nearing their last legs, so it would be best to replace them prior to the showing. Make sure that all the lightbulbs match in terms of type and luminance, especially for fixtures with multiple bulbs.
- Check curtains, blinds, and shutters. Curtains and other types of window shades help control the light that goes in and adds style to specific rooms of the house. Assess whether your current curtains, blinds, and shutters tie in with your interior design, and whether they need replacement.
- Place indoor plants.. Lighting adds life to your living spaces, and a better way to showcase how light flows in the house is by strategically placing plants near windows. Small plants can also be placed on windowsills and in room corners to break the monotony.
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Ready to sell your home? Regardless of the type of property you are selling, lighting can make a big difference in showcasing your home to potential buyers. A realtor would be the best person to help you in staging your property, whether you have a large luxury home or a cozy condominium. With the right kind of lighting, a potential buyer would be able to see your property in the best light — literally and figuratively — helping you close the deal in no time.
Team Hatvany comprises real estate professionals with years of experience focused on buying and selling properties throughout San Francisco. Find out how they can help you in the process of selling your home today. Schedule a consultation by sending them an email at team(at)teamhatvany(dotted)com or calling 415.710.6462.
