Staging a Home for Sale
There is a technic used for aiding in the sale of a home. It is called Staging. Staging a home means a seller either hires someone or studies up on how to present their home so that buyers see it in its most optimum presentation.
Most people live in a home that is comfortable to them. However, their tastes and comforts may not be what someone else would like. Many studies have been done on interior design and decorating so that new home builders can appeal to the maximum audience.
If you want your home to sell in the fastest time possible consider hiring a professional home stager. They will come in and do analyis and determine what options would best sell the house. In some cases these stagers will even ask you to move out and remove your belongings. As part of their service and fees they then fill the home with the same type of furniture and belongings you would find in a new home developement. Once the house sells they remove the items.
The goal is to have buyers enter and think, "Wow! Now that is a great idea. I could do that." or "I could see myself living here." or "what if I put my belongings in here like they have it arranged?"
As real estate agents we often are able to sell a house for more or more quickly if it is staged. We will show 10 houses and walk into the 11th house and it is staged and we make an offer strictly because the house appeals to the buyer and they don't want to miss out on the opportunity. An empty house or one with unique furniture and wall hangings often distracts a buyer.
Consider staging your property for quicker sale.
Brian Buffini suggests staging your home for your life and for the sale.
Setting the Stage
How staging your home can make it more livable (and sell faster, too)
Staging a home. The idea of staging a home is to make it more attractive to buyers; however, it’s an applicable concept even when you’re not looking to sell. It’s really about making your home livable, attractive and a healthier “nest” for you and your family. • Whether staging your home for yourself or for a potential buyer, the act of creating that powerful first impression can be done inexpensively. For a minimal investment, you can increase the perceived value of your home dramatically, which may result in a shorter selling time and a higher sales price. There are a few distinct differences between staging your home for life versus staging your home for a sale. Read on for a few tips, no matter what your situation is.
Your stuff.
Staging for life—Staging your home is about decorating with your tastes, reflecting your individual style.
Staging for sale—When putting your house on the market, it’s important to consider the buyer. What does the average buyer need to see in order to fall in love with your home? Try to avoid leaving personal items—such as toothbrushes on the bathroom counter—in plain sight. Keep it clean and simple, and focus on highlighting the best features your home has to offer.
First impressions.
Whether you’re staging for your own life or staging for a sale, you only have one chance to make a first impression on visitors. Potential buyers may only be in your home for three or four minutes, so you want those first moments to be positive. Don’t forget simple yet significant improvements to your home’s exterior like mowing the lawn and trimming dead branches (especially near windows and doors). Place some pots with colorful flowers on the porch. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint. Your home will now give visitors a warm welcome, whether they’re over for a personal visit or as a potential buyer.
Less is more.
Staging for life—Ask your real estate agent or a professional stager the single greatest improvement you can do to make your home more livable and they’ll tell you to get rid of the clutter. Having a bit of organization and eliminating unnecessary “stuff” in your home, including piles of junk mail and old magazines, will help to create a more open environment.
Staging for sale—When putting your home on the market, you want it to look lived in, but you don’t want home buyers focusing on your collection of ceramic cows instead of noticing the custom cabinets you had installed. Most professionals also advise putting personal pictures away. This helps home buyers imagine your home as their home, rather than getting distracted by your photos. Remember to clean out closets so they appear more spacious, and don’t forget to organize or clear out medicine cabinets, as potential buyers are likely to open those too.
A room with a use.
Staging for life—You may have specific uses for various rooms in your home (using a spare bedroom as a craft room, or setting up a treadmill and weight-lifting equipment in the garage), and this is exactly how it should be if you’re staging your home for your own life. Don’t feel bound by the limitations of a room’s label.
Staging for sale—On the flip side, it’s pivotal to let home buyers see rooms as they were originally intended. You may have decided to nix your formal living room to create an impromptu yoga studio, but for the sake of home shoppers, consider turning rooms back to their original state. Perform an inexpensive and quick makeover for these rooms by hanging sheer curtains to let in daylight and replacing aging light fixtures and switches.
Freshen up.
Staging for life—We all have our routine cleaning schedules, but consider doing little extras for yourself. Touch up the paint in your lived-in rooms, and treat yourself to a few houseplants to liven up your living areas. Remember, a little can go a long way.
Staging for sale—Channel your inner cleaning lady and decorator. Steam-clean the carpets, touch up the paint and add emotional warmth with throw pillows, dramatic plants and candles. For that “Architectural Digest” look, clear off the counters in the kitchen and bathroom. An inexpensive way to add color is with a vase of vibrant flowers, neatly folded towels or a bowl of fruit.
NOTE: Information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Some content is compiled from 3rd party sources. If you are aware of incorrect or outdated information, feel free to contact us.