Do you have an extra bedroom that you’ve converted into a home office, arts/crafts room or other non-slumbering use? If so, you may be wondering if you should convert it back into a traditional bedroom. Especially before you list.
According to home staging experts, that may be a good idea. Although buyers will know the space was designed as a bedroom, there will be a psychological response to seeing it used otherwise. For example, say potential buyers view a property with a third bedroom converted into a child’s playroom.
Logically, they’ll know it’s a three-bedroom home. Unfortunately, the impression that will form will be of “two bedrooms and a playroom”, not a “three bedroom home.” This is especially true if closet doors have been removed. They may even start wondering whether there is anywhere else for a child to play.
So, when you’re selling, consider changing the bedroom back to its original purpose. You don’t necessarily need to put in a bed and dresser. (Although for staging purposes, that would help.) Just make the bedroom look like a bedroom for showings. Keep this in mind: It’s easier for buyers to imagine a bedroom as a potential home office, etc. than the other way around.
Debbie Tsintaris is a LOCAL REALTOR® in the Waterloo Region offering expert real estate services in Waterloo and surrounding areas in Southwestern Ontario.
