Well, here we are three-quarters of the way through 2013 . . . The real estate has finally picked up, and things are clearly moving in the right direction. If you’re thinking of selling your current home, not only do you have to hire the right real estate professional, but you must also hire the right home staging professional. A home stager does not “decorate” your property. Staging is simply emphasizing your home’s best features so that it will stand out from the competition and allow buyers to connect emotionally and visualize themselves living there, so that the result is a home that sells quicker and for more money! Not only do buyers
typically know within 15-20 seconds upon entering a home
whether or not they are interested, but over 90% of potential buyers begin their home search on the internet. Clearly, first impressions are critical and
presentation is everything! What can you expect a home staging professional to focus on when preparing your home? The following are what I like to think of as 10 Rules of Home Staging and they will certainly give you a jump start on getting your property ready
to shine. Consider curb appeal – make a good first impression so that buyers are excited to see the interior of your home. Clean, clean, clean – buyers will look everywhere, and should, and a clean home signifies care. Declutter – get rid of everything that is not necessary. Your space will feel larger and your architectural features will take center stage. Depersonalize – buyers will have a harder time being able to visualize themselves living in your family home if photos and personal items abound. Address repairs – buyers may easily draw conclusions that areas that are in need of repair where they can see signify possible needed repairs where they cannot look. Neutralize wall colors – this is where you will get the biggest bang for your buck. Choose colors that are on trend and will appeal to your target market. Edit furnishings – getting rid of anything that is not necessary will allow for an easy flow and allow your room to appear larger. Bring in light
– this is the best way to
brighten a mood. Open blinds, draperies and turn on lights. Define every room – buyers may question usage of a particular room, or whether or not their furniture will fit. Empty rooms do not help sell homes. Sweat the small stuff – every detail is important! Your home is most likely the largest investment you will ever make. Take good care to market it properly by staging it to sell. Staging works . . . and it generally costs much, much less than the first price reduction. Now that’s a good investment!