3 Ways to Use Dead Space When Selling Your Home

One of the biggest things that buyer’s will look for when touring your home is how well the space flows. While many floor plans will automatically provide a good feel and flow from room to room, there are a few ways you can highlight dead space to make sure every square foot is working for you. While there are many different ways you can transform dead space, into useable space, these three tips are not only space enhancing, but also visually appealing.

Under the Stairs

If you have a staircase in your home, a huge way to transform the space is by converting the area under the stairs into some sort of storage system. Whether you build in boxed exposed shelving, pull out drawers, a built-in bookshelf, or add in a small well-organized closet, this not only provides extra space, but also extra storage within the square footage you already have. Storage is a huge selling point for buyers and with some creativity, this could be a huge feature to help sell your home.

"Buyers love seeing how sellers use a space for practical applications. If you're creative you can generate a lot more interest by featureing these ares in the listing." - Christina Barnhart, Hampton Roads VA Realtor®

Storage

Recessed storage is not only practical in many scenarios, but also visually appealing. If there is an area where you can carefully carve out a space to add in some recessed storage you can add a whole new design feature, storage, and even potential value to your home in order to help your listing stand out among the rest. Whether you do a filing system, stacked shelving, key holes, etc. recessed storage uses no extra space, but rather adds additional storage and features to a wall that was otherwise ordinary and provided no specific usage.

"Buyers love storage but it can be a tricky thing to stage when you're trying to minimize and de-clutter. Keep things simple yet clear as to what the space is used for. Don't let buyers use their imagination too much as they may get frustrated." - Mesquite Realtor® Derek Bergstrom

Open Space

Finally, try to find an area that is often left untouched and build in a reading nook. This can be the corner of the family room, a space in a large hallway, a loft above the entry, etc. Wherever the extra space is found, by adding in a bench or small nook, you have transformed a useless space into a new feature where buyers can sit to enjoy a book with their morning coffee. You can even stage the area with a cozy blanket, and tv tray with a mug and a book to show buyer’s the benefits of the nook. There are dozens of different ways, places, and styles to create reading nooks, with a little bit of research you can easily find a nook that will fit your home’s style and charm.

"That odd space at the top of the stairs in many new homes is often a conundrum when it comes to usability. Many folks are using it as a school room right now, play area, TV room or reading room but the goal is to focus on the benefits, not the oddity of it." Erika Rogers, St. George Realtor®

Every inch counts when it comes to real estate, so whether you have a large property, or a cozy bungalow, be sure to highlight the space in any and every way possible to help appeal to more buyers. Even with a large house, if the space is not functional, it may not be appealing to buyers, so you should always take advantage of the space you are given.

More advice for home sellers and homeowners:

5 Easy ways to sell your home during the pandemic

10 Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal

4 Steps to Staging a Kitchen to Sell

How to Maximize Your Home's Coziness