For many, a waterfront property in Santa Barbara is the ultimate status symbol. Not only does Santa Barbara have some of the most breathtaking mountain views, but it also has some of California's most impressive coastal properties. If you are fortunate enough to own Santa Barbara real estate, then you understand how much leaving a lasting impression matters for your property, especially when trying to sell your home. Santa Barbara's unrivaled location will get many prospective buyers through the door, but you also want prospective buyers dreaming about your property long after they leave.

To leave a memorable first impression, you'll need to stage the property. By staging your home, you will not only highlight the best features of your property, but you will also have prospective buyers dreaming of moving in. From lighting to furniture placement, here are the five foolproof tips for staging your home like a professional.

When many think of staging the home, they often imagine highlighting the kitchen, living room, and other high-ticket rooms. But did you know staging your home begins long before you walk through the door? First impressions matter. Your home's exterior can make or break the sale. Start with your home's curb appeal. Focusing on your home's exterior will make your listing stand out positively. Here are some tips for updating your home's curb appeal:

 

Following these surefire tips will create a welcoming space that makes buyers want to see more.

When staging your home, you want to appeal to as many buyers as possible. But this doesn't mean you have to play it safe. Quite the opposite, actually. Take risks. Add splashes of color throughout your home, especially in the kitchen and living room. One of the best ways to do that is to incorporate original art pieces throughout your home. This could include abstract paintings or contemporary sculptures throughout the space. Be bold, but also keep everything to scale. You don't want an oversized painting to overtake your living room. If you need help deciding what art pieces to incorporate, hire a professional stager or an interior designer to decorate the space.

When staging your home, your goal is to entice prospective buyers and make them feel at home within the space. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to create an environment where they can imagine themselves moving in. Buyers want to envision where their favorite couch will fit in the living room or how their bed will fit into the primary suite. If your buyers are searching for a space for their home office or home studio, they will want to know there's a place for them to be able to fit those elements into their home.

So what is the best way to accomplish this before they submit an offer? Add furniture that doesn’t overtake or feel too small in the space. Oversized furniture can make any room feel smaller, while too small furniture makes the space feel empty and incomplete. Use furniture that fits the space. Appropriately sized furniture will help buyers better envision their furniture in the space, which helps them imagine themselves living in the home. Once buyers have mentally moved in, they are far more likely to submit an offer on your property. If you don't have furniture that fits the space, rent furniture that does. It's worth the investment.

Adding the right decor can make the space pop, but one of the best ways to leave a lasting impression on buyers is incorporating statement lighting in your home. Many waterfront properties in Santa Barbara are impressive in their own right, especially if they have beachfront access, but adding statement lighting elevates them to a whole new level. Chandeliers draw the eye upward, and if you have high ceilings, you want to highlight this. Cathedral ceilings make any home feel more prominent, and statement lighting adds grandeur to any space.

You can choose from many different styles, from classic to modern. The style you choose depends on the type of home you have. If you have a custom, newly built home on the beach, choose contemporary statement lighting. No matter which style you choose, make sure it complements the space.

In Santa Barbara, you're not just selling a home but a lifestyle. Owning a waterfront property in Santa Barbara holds a certain prestige that's difficult to replicate. Santa Barbara is an affluent, world-class community evocative of Mediterranean cities, with some of California's most impressive mountain and ocean views. Capitalize on those views.

Many prospective buyers want to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. You are showcasing the ultimate in Santa Barbara luxury living by integrating your indoor and outdoor spaces. Focus on creating inviting outdoor spaces through high-end furniture, lighting, and decor. Highlight some of the best features of your outdoor living space. If you have an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, show it off. Prospective buyers want to feel welcomed in your outdoor spaces.

Are you considering moving? Whether you are searching for homes for sale in Santa Barbara or you are searching for the perfect Riviera property, selling your home is essential to move on to the next stage of your life. If you're ready to move, you will need an expert realtor to sell your home quickly. When you need the best, choose Chris Palme. Backed by over 30 years of industry experience and unrivaled expertise in luxury homes, Chris is your trusted  Santa Barbara real estate agent. Contact Chris today for your free home valuation. He'll get your home sold.