White walls, open floorplan... What's a buyer to think?

About 6 months ago (maybe longer actually) I was called for a vacant home consultation at a great condo complex downtown.  I didn't get the job - the unit didn't get staged.  Last week I was called out again... The building has a lot going for it - gated parking, elevators, passkey entry, etc.  This particular unit has been on the market for almost a year.

This time the agent, who is also one of the investors/owners decided that they needed a new plan.  I was hired to stage the unit.  I recommended doing some additional things, like painting, but at least we were able to make some headway this time....

I would have liked to add curtains to the windows in the bedroom for texture and height, but the windows were too tall and curtains would have had to be special ordered.  There was no budget for that.  This was definately a shoestring budget! 

The entire unit is just under 950 sqft and these photos comprise nearly the entire thing... all that's missing is the kitchen and master bath.  The real estate show below will give you the whole look.

There were some real issues in this home with layout.  Buyers could not figure out how to arrange the furniture.  I did what I normally do not and actually addressed the TV viewing arrangement in this property.  I felt it was a necessity.  While normally I don't like to have the back of the sofa facing into the room, I felt it was appropriate and necessary for buyers in this small unit.  With all the glass, this would be a common problem. 

The agent who had been so reluctant to stage prior came in about an hour or so after we started and was just beside himself happy.  His assistant is already trying to convince other clients of the value that staging can provide - which they now understand!