Why Where When and How to Stage

Home Staging is something that every property owner wanting a top dollar sale needs to seriously consider prior to the property making its debut on the market.

You want to present your property in the best possible condition from front to back.  When you list your property for sale, it is on stage.  You don't want buyers to focus on your figurine collection, your dusty ships-in-a-bottle, or your walls of baby pictures.  Every occupied property needs to be in good repair, de personalized, de cluttered, squeaky-clean and gender neutralized.  A man-cave might excite a caveman, but it's not going to entice his wife into buying.   

It is crucial that you capture the interest of potential buyers upon entering the property.  Make it a feast for the senses - warm neutral colors, aromatic candles, soothing music, interesting accessories.  Stage it so potential buyers do not want to leave.   You want them to picture themselves living there and notice the features of the property.  You don't want them to focus on all your "stuff."

If a home has been listed with no offers for several weeks, the best plan of action is to temporarily withdraw the property, stage it, and then re activate it.  This will pique the interest of agents and buyers alike who will wonder what's been changed if they've already viewed the property, and will revitalize the listing.

What about the vacant homes and new construction homes?  Well, they're cold and empty and they echo.  The fact is that most folks simply cannot visualize where to place furniture in vacant homes.  They have no clue what they can fit where and they become confused about how a room could function.  Some home stagers specialize in furnishing vacant homes either by renting or by using their own inventory.

Hire a reputable home staging company, ask about their qualifications, check references, and ask to see a portfolio - or better yet - ask to visit a home currently staged. 

If you cannot or will not hire a home stager, then you must do it yourself.  Look at the outside and inside of your property with an objective eye.  Potential buyers need to picture themselves living in your property, so that means tucking away all personal items.  The time and effort will be worth it.  Home staging is the key to unlock a faster sale.