My First Hand Experience with Staging my NJ Home -- Part Three: From Showings to Sold!

Once my house was beautifully staged and had put on its "best face," the next step was making sure people saw it! These are the steps I took to ensure that my home had many visitors and that I made the most of each visit:

• What I did: I determined that every time someone was going to see the house, whether it be other realtors or buyers, they would have yummy treats and made to feel welcome. Whether it be cookies, muffins, juice, soda-- whatever can be put out on a pretty plate with matching paper cups and napkins makes buyers want to stay and enjoy your home.

• Buyers' response: They were thrilled and so were their agents. After touring many homes on a hot, sunny day, they loved those refreshments! And later found out I was the only one to have snacks for them!

• What I did: The two dogs and the cat were packed up and taken for a ride during every showing. Most people do not have pets, therefore I cannot expect them to feel at home with mine. All evidence of them (bowls, bedding, etc.) was hidden away.

• Buyers' response: They were shocked when they realized we did have pets. All they saw was a clean, well-kept home.

• What I did: I created a feeling of a serene, comfortable, home. Soft music played in the living room and master bedroom. Everything was in place. The buyers had no idea of the mad scramble to catch the cat, or that the nervous dog with the bladder problem had an accident, there was a large party the day before, the laundry that didn't get done, or the coffee that spilled!

• Buyers' response: The feedback was, "I feel such a sense of peace in this house!" and "Phenomenal!" Overwhelmingly, the buyers loved it.

• What I did: I never, ever turned down a showing! Never! Even if it was last minute, I made it work by asking them to give me one hour. On the weekends, the house was always ready-- just in case, since that is the time when most people are out looking. And open houses? YES! Did them too!

• Buyers' response: They were able to see the house on their schedule. In fact, the buyers who ended up buying the house, also visited the open house the next day. The house's availability to them was most important in their final decision!

The Results:

Of the last four showings, we had four offers; the accepted offer was just over asking price! In a local market that is riddled with short sales and foreclosures, and houses that are just languishing, this house easily sold! Was it worth all the craziness and work to get it ready? Absolutely! In fact, I have watched our competition continue to sit on the market . Why didn't they stage? I don't know-- but I'm glad they didn't!

Kitchen Before (from previous owners) Kitchen After Staging

Part One: The Preparation

Part Two: The Staging

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ. She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years. In 2007, she formed Rose-Colored Staging to help sellers market their homes with professional home staging.