Preparing a Home For Sale
information courtesy of:
Becky Ostendorp
9 to 5 Redesign, LLC. – Affordable redesigns…All in a day’s work!
Tel: 305.975.2564 / Fax: 866.465.5117
Email: [email protected]
What is Staging All About?
Home staging is all about creating a visual experience and a theme of emotional warmth that will appeal to the largest number of potential buyers.
The need for visual cues is imperative because most buyers have difficulty envisioning how their furnishings could look in the space.
Why is Staging So Imporant?
- It creates a positive first impression…you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression!
- It enables buyers to see the home’s potential…and to envision themselves living there.
- It helps obtain the best possible selling price. A well presented property is often perceived as being a well maintained property.
What is the Ultimate Goal of Staging?
To get a property into showcase condition, so that it sells at the best possible price in the shortest time possible.
Five Top Tips for Selling A Home:
- Create curb appeal
- Clean thoroughly, inside and out
- Eliminate clutter and anything not used or needed on a daily basis
- De-personalize and neutralize
- Stage the rooms to highlight the most positive features of the home
Curb Appeal
The entrance to the house sets the mood for what lies beyond…
- Landscaping is the first thing the buyer sees and indicates whether or not the home is well maintained
- Porch and front entry should be invite buyers inside
Inside Basics
- Deep clean (especially kitchens, bathrooms and windows)
- Worn carpet or flooring should be repaired or replaced
- Add a fresh coat of neutral colored paint to brighten the rooms
- Eliminate unpleasant odors: pet, smoking, cooking smells. Keep litter boxes and excessive room fresheners/plug-ins, out of sight
Is the Home Stuff-ocating?
Stress the importance of eliminating anything that is not used on a daily basis, appears to be excessive, or that is out of place.
Suggest that sellers:
- Sort through each room, closet and cabinet (less is best)
- Donate, discard, pack or store off site (provide storage resource list)
- Clear off counters, window sills and ledges
- Eliminate scatter rugs and runners (to make rooms feel more spacious)
De-Personalize
Removing the sellers imprint from the home allows potential buyers to picture their own furnishings in the rooms and to envision themselves living there.
Eliminating personal photos, trophies, excessive collections and memorabilia keeps the buyer’s attention focused on the attributes of the home.
If a home is too ‘theme-y’ or overdone in a particular style, buyers who don’t have the same taste won’t identify with the space.
Statistics
- In a 2004 survey of Realtors, almost two-thirds estimated that a staged home maintained in a “show to sell” condition sells for a price that is between 10% and 20% higher. (Showhomes.com)
- According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), for every dollar sellers put into staging, they get $4.00 back. The average increase over the listing price is $6.32%, enough to cover agent fees. On a $500,000 house, the added value of staging is $32,000. (Homeowner’s Choice Magazine, Feb. 2006)
Furniture Arrangement
Properly placed furniture, art and accessories creates:
- interest
- balance
- focal points
- space (by maximizing square footage)
