Staging 101

“All the world’s a stage” – William Shakespeare in As You Like It

While there is no “one way” to stage your home to improve its salability, HGTV offers this perspective on the process of staging:

 

 

The practice is called “staging” because it means that it sets the stage for potential buyers as they try to imagine what it would be like to live in your house. Does it work?  According to a study from The National Association of Realtors (NARS), 77% of buyers say it’s easier to visualize a staged property as a future home. And most agents agree that staging increases the dollar amount of sales too. So, let’s talk about which parts of your house should be “center stage”. We will cover:

 

·       The front of the house (exterior)

·       The kitchen

·       The living room

The term “curb appeal” refers to what the potential buyer sees from the street. Most agents can tell stories of buyers simply driving by without stopping when viewing the home from the outside. In fact, the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics claims that curb appeal can account for up to 7% of a home’s value. Here are some ways to maximize your home’s curb appeal:

·       Freshen up the paint. If that job is too big, just paint the front door.

 

·       Tidy up the landscaping. Cut back the dead stuff and add a few bright touches with flowers and fresh plants. Pull weeds and add fresh mulch.

 

·       And clean - everything! Clean windows, sweep porches, driveways and sidewalks, and invest in pressure washing if needed. Remove all the extraneous “stuff” out there – shoes, toys, worn out furniture – anything that isn’t beautiful.

 

 We’ve all heard that kitchens and baths sell homes. It’s true! For many buyers, walking into the kitchen is the surest way to imagine themselves in the home. Here’s how to make that happen.

I know it sounds obvious but clean it up! Wash everything – everything! While doing so, put away anything that doesn’t absolutely HAVE to be there. This is popularly called decluttering and literally means that anything you don’t need is clutter. Put it away, throw it away, or give it away.

Now that you’ve got a cleaner canvas, try this:

·       New cabinet hardware and/or faucets are an inexpensive way to make your kitchen shine.

·       Bring in something pretty. A bright living plant or flowers are a nice touch. Or create a little kitchen vignette that adds style and grace. Maybe a cookbook with some attractive serving spoons on a lazy Susan, or a bit of décor that compliments the rest of your house – with a subtle theme like the beach or Nordic look.

Finally, your living room. It’s here that prospective buyers can best imagine themselves relaxing and living their best life. Try these ideas:

·       Create a focal point that features your room’s best attribute. A nice window, a fireplace, or the long view into the rest of your home.

·       Scale your furniture down to the essentials. Create the image of space and plenty of room to move around.

·       Declutter but don’t get rid of everything! A bit of art, something cozy - a few nice throw pillows or a small and attractive blanket, and a living plant or flowers.

·       Nice lighting. Warm tables lamps offer a more livable light than overheads and they can be beautiful too.

These are just some of the basic suggestions for staging a home.  As part of my listing services, I offer room-by-room detailed recommendations which can make a difference in how potential buyers perceive your home.  Small changes in staging and presentation can often lead to significant increases in buyer interest and offers. The more buyers who love your home will result in more potential offers and possibly competing offers!