Whether it's an attic, an alcove under the stairs or unused space above the garage, making a "bonus room" appealing to potential buyers is never a bad idea when staging your home. Many Minneapolis homes for sale have small spaces that can be used as a crafting or art studio, home office, or just about anything you can conjure up. Although your imagination may start running wild when thinking about what to do with a bonus room, it's important to stay focused so potential buyers looking at St. Paul homes for sale aren't confused about what the purpose of it really is.   

• Know Your Market Demographic
  Understanding the types of buyers who are looking for houses in your area is key to creating a bonus room that will help sell your home. Do you live in an up-and-coming, hip neighborhood that attracts young professionals? If so, you'll probably want to consider making that bonus room a home office. If you live in a more family-oriented area, buyers may be looking for a house with a space that could easily work as a playroom or nursery. If you're unsure about who your likely buyers will be, talk with your real estate agent. After all, they're used to helping people buy and sell homes in the area, so they should know a bit about who's looking.
  
  
• Think Practically
  Most people wouldn't put a nursery in the basement or a home theater/gaming room next to their master bedroom. Evaluate the size, location and design of your bonus room and go from there to determine how to stage it. For example, if you're thinking of turning a bonus room into a home gym or space to practice yoga, make sure it's spacious enough to comfortably move around without hitting walls or furniture. If you're considering a media room, keep in mind that a large TV will need quite a bit of viewing distance for people to enjoy it. If you already use your bonus room for sewing, crafting, making art, or as a home office, run with it. It'll be more authentic and make it easier to stage, as you probably already know what works in it and what doesn't. Storage and shelves are usually attractive features to buyers, but there's no need to go overboard with custom built-in-shelving or anything else that may be too involved or costly.
  
  
• Declutter but Don't Forget the Details
  Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, so it's vital to get rid of clutter and depersonalize the space as much as you can. If your bonus room is packed with furniture, take it all out and put just a few pieces back in. If you want to create a cozy little reading or hangout space in the attic, arrange chairs and a coffee table in a small square, facing each other to create an intimate area that's conducive to conversation. Adding plants always makes a room look inviting, and a book or two here and there adds a lived-in look without getting too personal. If the room is being used for a hobby like sewing, put all supplies away neatly but leave the machine out so potential buyers still get the idea of what it may be used for.
  
  
• Paint
  A fresh coat of paint can give any room a makeover, but it's especially important in small spaces that may have exposed pipes, slanted or low ceilings, or other unusual features. It's always best to choose neutral colors when putting your home up for sale. Sticking to beige, gray, or "greige" gives potential buyers the opportunity to envision their own art and photographs on the walls. Speaking of walls, if your bonus room is already a nursery with stencils or other embellishments on the walls, remove them or paint over them. Even if a buyer is looking for a home with a nursery, they'll want to decorate it in their own style.

Do you need help with staging a bonus room to help your home sell? Whether you're buying or selling, our experienced professionals at Counselor Realty can help. Call us today to get started.