Ask the Stager
1. Why do I need to remove or replace some of my existing décor? I LIKE my things, and I like the way my house looks!
The way you live in a home, and the way you market and sell your home are two completely different things. Most of us decorate our homes with our personal, specific taste in mind, and our home becomes an extension of our personality. When Staging your home to sell, the primary goal is to provide a warm, inviting environment that appeals to the broadest range of potential buyers, so that anyone walking into your house can envision themselves living there, regardless of their personal taste or style. Remember, as soon as that "For Sale" sign goes up, your home is now a house; it is a product to sell as a whole, not a showcase for your belongings, and Staging is the best strategy for marketing it.
2. Why should I remove all my personal photos?
One very important element of Home Staging is the process of de-personalizing your home. Removing personal photos keeps potential homebuyers from feeling as if they are invading someone else's home. It is also a safety measure for you, the homeowner.
3. Why should I paint or remove wallpaper in some or all of my home? I've put enough money in it already.
Painting your home is the biggest impact you can make for the least amount of money, particularly if the current colors are strong or overly bright, and even more so if they are stark white. Often for as little as $40 or less, you are changing the look and feel of each room. Creating a neutral palette is another step in making your home appealing to more people. In addition, a fresh coat of paint leaves your home looking, fresh and clean, and smelling new.
4. Do I really need to replace items or make updates? Can't I just put an allowance in so the new owners can do that themselves?
With so many homes currently on the market, your best option for a full price offer and quick sale is to set yourself apart from the competition. The homes that are the most updated, and in the best condition, do stand out. Not updating your home can make the difference between your house selling in 30 days or 6 months. The decision is up to you. We can help you prioritize what might need to be changed, and provide cost effective options to meet your budget as part of the Consultation and Staging process.
5. Why would I want to rent furniture for my vacant home? It's clean and in good condition.
Buyers only know what they see, not the way it's going to be. A vacant home is an empty shell. Without something to focus on, it is natural for the eye to focus on the flaws of each room, such as lack of decorative molding, not enough windows, cracks, etc. Staging uses furniture, accessories, and lighting to create a warm, inviting feel, and welcome potential buyers into each room. It also helps to highlight desirable features of the home, and downplay challenging areas, such as small room dimensions, or an odd shaped room.
Something to help you keep things in perspective:
The way you live in a home, and the way you market and sell your home are two completely different things. Most of us decorate our homes with our personal, specific taste in mind, and our home becomes an extension of our personality. When Staging your home to sell, the primary goal is to provide a warm, inviting environment that appeals to the broadest range of potential buyers, so that anyone walking into your house can envision themselves living there, regardless of their personal taste or style. Remember, as soon as that "For Sale" sign goes up, your home is now a house; it is a product to sell as a whole, not a showcase for your belongings, and Staging is the best strategy for marketing it.
2. Why should I remove all my personal photos?
One very important element of Home Staging is the process of de-personalizing your home. Removing personal photos keeps potential homebuyers from feeling as if they are invading someone else's home. It is also a safety measure for you, the homeowner.
3. Why should I paint or remove wallpaper in some or all of my home? I've put enough money in it already.
Painting your home is the biggest impact you can make for the least amount of money, particularly if the current colors are strong or overly bright, and even more so if they are stark white. Often for as little as $40 or less, you are changing the look and feel of each room. Creating a neutral palette is another step in making your home appealing to more people. In addition, a fresh coat of paint leaves your home looking, fresh and clean, and smelling new.
4. Do I really need to replace items or make updates? Can't I just put an allowance in so the new owners can do that themselves?
With so many homes currently on the market, your best option for a full price offer and quick sale is to set yourself apart from the competition. The homes that are the most updated, and in the best condition, do stand out. Not updating your home can make the difference between your house selling in 30 days or 6 months. The decision is up to you. We can help you prioritize what might need to be changed, and provide cost effective options to meet your budget as part of the Consultation and Staging process.
5. Why would I want to rent furniture for my vacant home? It's clean and in good condition.
Buyers only know what they see, not the way it's going to be. A vacant home is an empty shell. Without something to focus on, it is natural for the eye to focus on the flaws of each room, such as lack of decorative molding, not enough windows, cracks, etc. Staging uses furniture, accessories, and lighting to create a warm, inviting feel, and welcome potential buyers into each room. It also helps to highlight desirable features of the home, and downplay challenging areas, such as small room dimensions, or an odd shaped room.
So now what do I do?
You may find that one or more of the above items apply to your home. If so, it is understandable to be concerned about the prospect of making more improvements or changes than you planned.Something to help you keep things in perspective:
- Staging is an investment in the sale of your home.
- 95.1% of all Staged Homes® sell in 33 days or less.
- The cost for Staging is dramatically less than your first price reduction, which is typically $20,000 or more.
