Even if you live on the most gorgeous lake in western Wisconsin, it's still important to stage your waterfront listing for potential buyers. Follow these tips to showcase the best qualities of your lakeshore listing.
Start from the water
When staging your lakeshore property, it’s best to start from the water and move your way in. For most, that means beginning at the docks. Replace any broken or aging boards, and paint or stain the dock to give it a little more appeal. If your boats are docked, make sure they are sparkling clean and properly secured in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Second, make your way to your beach area. Get rid of any weeds in the shallow areas of the water and the shore. If you have sand, rake it before every showing.
Next, stage the waterfront itself. Create as many social areas as possible by rearranging lawn furniture and deck furniture into small groupings. Give the areas a little more color by adding outdoor potted plants to each area.
Stage the interior
Once you have finished staging your lakeshore area, move indoors. Follow our basic home staging tips to ensure the interior of your home is looking sharp. Emphasize the views by washing the windows that overlook the water, and keep the curtains open during showings.
Share local insights
Think about what a buyer would want to know about the area. In the main entrance, place an overhead map of the lake with your property circled so they can get a better indication of the layout of the area. Include additional brochures or information about the nearest town, including directions and/or mileage to nearby grocery stores, shops and other local attractions. People who are purchasing a waterfront property are often prioritizing leisure — give them an indication of the lifestyle they’d enjoy if they purchased your home.
Selling a waterfront home isn’t all that different from selling a regular home. Consider your property’s best attributes — likely the access to water and the views — and showcase these attributes for any potential buyers.
