Professionally Staged Properties Bring Higher Selling Prices!

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Description: Most real estate professionals know how much a professionally staged home can add to the selling price. The REASON is basic...potential buyers are seeking an 'illusion'...a lifestyle that is within their range and buying ability. Staging accomplishes theses goals of setting the illusion and also helping the potential buyer to visualize themselves within the home. Here is an example of how wonderful a former overstuffed set of bookcases can look after staging. Notice that some shelves are deliberately left empty.

Keeping It Simple!

This picture shows how even the most simple and inexpensive changes add style to a home. In this case, a simple ivy in a silver canister on the counter with two faux pewter towel rings with crisp white towels add to the spa feel of this bathroom.

Keep The Flow Going!

This area was 'too' comfortable for potential buyers to sit, which stopped the 'flow' of the viewing for the real estate agent. By removing a table and placing a decorative basket in the chair, the 'problem' was solved!

Preparation Checklist....Ready, Set, GO!

1. Room Editing - Often times, rooms just get overcrowded with stuff. If you had planned on selling, giving away, or discarding items before actually moving to your new home, consider doing it before your current home goes on the market. If you simply have too much furniture in one room, move it to another area of the house or to a storage spot for the time being, such as a basement or garage. This will free up the room and make it seem more spacious and airy. An appealing selling point for potential buyers.

2. Furniture Arrangement - As in editing, well placed furnishings can also open up a room. Avoid lining furniture along all four walls. Try placing a piece or two on an angle. In the living areas, include an area for cozy conversation. If space allows, an out of the way corner for reading. If a room has a focal point for selling, such as a fireplace or bay window, arrange furnishings to enhance this feature, not distract from.

3. Clutter Elimination - Keep in mind that you want potential buyers to be noticing the house itself, and not your belongings. This is the perfect time for significant collections such as newspapers and magazines, knick-knacks, and overstuffed book cases to be boxed up for the move. This includes kitchen and bath countertops! Small appliances and little jars, bottles, and tubes should not be left on display. By eliminating the clutter, you will also add to the feeling of spaciousness in a room.

4. Making Scents - Just like certain smells can trigger memories in a person years later, the scent of your home can leave a lasting effect on a potential buyer. For this reason, you want to avoid cooking smelly foods such as fish, liver, garlic, onions, or anything fried or spicy before showing your home. If weather allows, open windows and doors to let in some fresh air. During winter months, baking a frozen loaf of bread, cookies, or pie can be an inviting fragrance. And though you never want to over-perfume your home, you may want to light a candle as a quick and aromatic remedy. Staying away from sharp floral scents and sticking with a low key scent, such as vanilla or eucalyptus fragrance is best.

5. Lighting - Show your rooms in the best possible light...Natural! If heavy drapes or curtains block the view, leave them open! The same goes for any kind of blind. Light makes a room seem bright and cheery. On that same note, make sure to clean windows and screens, inside and out. This can make a big impact on the light coming into a room. The difference is often times amazing. If you have a room or two with dark walls or no windows, leave a few of the lights on at all times during showings. If overhead lighting seems too stark, try just leaving on a lamp or two for drama.

6. Material Things - Stained, dingy towels are a no-no for a home showing. Also, wet towels should be tossed in the dryer before heading off to work while your home is on the market. In the kitchen and bath, consider setting out guest towels and soaps. Inevitably, a visitor or two will be in need. Throw rugs and carpets should also be in good condition. And if they are not completely necessary, such as in an entryway, or hiding a beautiful wood floor, they should be removed altogether. Never lay a rug over carpeting. Tattered or worn bedspreads should be removed and replaced, as well. Beds should always be made.

7. Using Flora and Greenery - In spring and summer, an outdoor container garden or hanging planter is lush and appealing and can add a lot of first impression impact. If your house is going on the market early in the season, consider purchasing mature plants rather than starter plants. A homes interior can benefit from flowers and greenery, as well. A simple, seasonal market bouquet can brighten up any room of the home and has a charming appeal.

8. Clean! - There is nothing more attractive than a clean home. If you are not into cleaning yourself, hire a professional. Make a list for each room, paying particular attention to your homes entrance, both interior and exterior, kitchen, and bath areas. Your home should be as spotless as possible for show.

NOTICE:

The term "Staging" is NOT a federally registered trademark and is widely used in the industry to describe the service of preparing homes for resale.