Snap a picture to discover need for Staging

It is said that approximately 85% of homes are actually being sold online. Not that the actual purchasing occurs on the internet, but that most buyers today are searching the internet for homes before they actually agree to see a home. If a picture of a home does not appeal to them, they keep right on looking. There are some people who feel that if there is not a picture, then it isn't worth going to see.

That is great news if you have a house that is market ready, looking fantastic and have great pictures posted online. If your pictures are less than stellar or the rooms they depict are less than stunning, then you may have more of a problem.

You may think that your home is stylish, clutter free and clean. Take a picture and see if that is reflected in the photo. Just like when you see a picture of yourself and think "Oh, I have gained more weight than I thought." or, "My hair is so gray - when did that happen?" style, cleanliness and clutter have a way of getting lost after a certain period of time. If you are not satisfied when you look at the pictures of your home, chances are, a potential buyer will not be either. Take a photo and then take action.

When you live in your home, you tend to ignore things that need attention. You become immune to new possibilities because it seems fine the way it is. Sometimes things need to be done like changing the color on the walls or replacing flooring. That old sofa that Aunt Polly gave you sure has been a great staple in your home for the past ten years but you may not have realized how thread-bare it appears. All of those kitchen appliances you have stored on the counter, but only use every once in a while, really equate to clutter in a picture. The things you live with everyday out of necessity could be holding you back from the sale of your home. I can't tell you how often I show a homeowner the "before" pictures, have them complete work, and then show them "after" pictures and they find the difference amazing. That is the effect you are looking for.

So snap a few pictures of each room before you decide to list your home. Make an honest assessment of what may need to be done. Oops - the crown molding you installed last year doesn't even show up in the pictures because the color of the wall is so light that there is no distinguishable contrast. Fixing that with a quick coat of paint in a darker tone will make all of the difference. Once you have made those changes, take another round of photos. Any better? Complete any additional work and then call your real estate agent or virtual tour professional and have them take the phenomenal pictures that will get your house sold. Just like when you are having a professional photo taken of yourself, you would look your best, taking pictures of your home for the internet is the same concept. Put your home's best foot forward.

Staging can help you achieve an updated look for pictures. Having your home reflect the current season is really important. If your home looks like it is decorated in the current season, then it appears that is hasn't been on the market for very long. If you still have Christmas decorations up in June, then that signals buyers that the house has been on the market for quite a while.

If you want some new ideas to update your look for fall, stop by for a free staging workshop on September 15 at 6:30 pm at Whitt's End, Home and Garden in Cool Springs Plaza. Get some great new ideas that will exude warmth and inviting décor for your new fall pictures, sending a strong signal to those potential buyers that your house is ready to be seen.

As seen in The News Enterprise, authored by Sheila O'Mara August 28, 2009