Can Small Changes make a big difference? Absolutely and here's the proof!

Parts of Charleston are innundated with real estate inventory.  In one particular subdivision of North Charleston there are currently 131 active properties.  The average DOM for existing homes is a whopping 136 days!  This particuarly property had been on the market since 02/08/07.  After expiring and relisting with a new agent (one of my best clients) I was called in for a staging consultation.  The homeowners decided they didn't need staging.  It was one of those, why spend money on a house we are moving out of situations!  (Dont you just love those?) Finally the agent and I worked together to come up with a bare bones staging project that she was going to pay for.... This always makes me nervous - particularly in owner occupied homes.  

You can see the results in this blog Can small changes make a big difference? You decide....  We limited ourself to one room, the biggest bang for the buck and overall the elephant in the room (if you will). 

Anyway - This home finally reflects the status change in MLS today to under contract.  It will be closing on the 18th of April.  Let's check out the statistics for these small changes (less than $500). 

Listed on 02.08.07

Staged on 02.13.08

Under Contract on 04.02.08

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Average DOM for neighborhood - 136 Days

DOM prior to staging - 327 days

DOM after staging - 52 days 

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So, can small changes make a big difference?  Absolutely!  The proof is in the numbers!