With spring around the corner (it is coming!) many homeowners are preparing to put their house up for sale. No matter how beautiful it is, I have never seen a single house that wouldn’t benefit from home staging. Home what???
Get your house sold fast…
Staging. It’s a marketing technique designed to reduce the number of DOM (days on market). Statistically, as the DOM increases the selling price decreases. Protect your equity and get the highest possible return on your investment by doing everything you can to get your house sold fast!
We just may be completely insane…
My husband and I along with our 3 kids and 2 dogs have moved 9x in 18 years. We just may be completely insane! I moved on my actual due date while pregnant with my 1st child (good thing he was 15 days late!) with infants, toddlers (and all their toys), with teenagers, while potty training a puppy, during the holidays with all the decorations and through every single season. I like to say, “You name it, I’ve moved through it!!
Now, let’s get into it…
Less is more. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that potential buyers can see past your “stuff” because they can’t. It’s distracting. A staged home can feel a little naked, this is intentional. Concentrate on focal walls and leave the rest bare. Minimize. You want buyers to notice what is actually for sale – your house, not your things!
This is a little girl’s room before and after a home staging consultation.
Baseball hats, antiques, lace curtains? Oh my…
We’ve all heard it before – depersonalize. I am not just referring to family photos. A very specific taste be it, country, rustic etc. is personal. Your collection of glass figurines, baseball hats, antiques and family heirlooms? Personal. Pack these sentimental items away to proudly display in your new home. You want potential buyers contemplating, “Will our sofa fit here? This paint color will go perfectly with our duvet. That’s a great spot for the Christmas tree.” If a buyer can’t mentally and emotionally move-in, they will never make an offer. Buyers shop with logic, but buy with emotion.
Sure, let’s call it “character”…
Call in a home staging expert. When you live in your home for a while, you begin to see past its flaws. You may have even convinced yourself that Aunt Betsie’s floral couch has “character.” Sure, let’s call it “character.” Some slipcovers, a large mirror strategically placed to reflect light, new throw pillows and a cool lamp. All of these things can make a world of difference. If you are questioning, “But, my things aren’t for sale, so why do I have to do this stuff?” Two words. Model homes. We all fall in love with them as soon as we walk through the door. Before we’ve reached the kitchen to grab a freshly baked cookie, we’re imagining ourselves coming down the stairs in the morning wearing our favorite fuzzy slippers. Am I right? This is because the house is pulled together. It’s cohesive. The goal is to try and mimic this look and feel. Fresh baked cookies? Optional, but they can’t hurt!
Just sayin’…
With as many times as I’ve moved, I’ve had to come up with systems and processes to not lose my mind while living in a house that’s on the market. I’m not going to sugar coat this… it’s not easy! (that’s an understatement) This can be a very stressful time. Just sayin’…
During a staging consultation, I share all of my tips and tricks which can help get your home sold fast! Home staging is all about having a plan. When that phone-call comes that you have a showing, it’s time to get moving! Rule number one in selling your home… NEVER turn down a showing. Where is the dogs’ bowl going to go? Where do you put all the dirty clothes on the floor in your kids’ rooms? Small items on your counter-tops? Hide them. It’s a lot easier if there is a plan in place.
Easier said than done…
I’ve often heard stagers tell homeowners, not to take any of the suggestions they make personally. Easier said than done. Your home is the most personal space you own. It’s filled with memories and the people you love. It’s where your kids’ hand-prints are cemented in the driveway and where you tracked how tall they’ve grown on the wall. I prefer to remind homeowners that this is what makes a house into a home. Your house is what’s for sale, but your home will never be. You take all of the above including your memories with you. That is home.
Home staging is definitely a big deal because not only it helps in selling your house fast but also helps in increasing the final price of your house. Great blog by the way. Thanks for sharing!
Richard Davis, you are so right! I tell homeowners all the time that staging will help them hold on to their equity and get the highest possible return on their investment. Isn’t that what we all want?! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Hi JENNA MCELWAIN, after reading this post, I feel more exciting. Really, this post is so motivated and helpful also. You did a great job.
As a realtor, I can say home stagging have much importance while selling home.
Agreed. Such an important step that should never be overlooked!