I recently read that there is a $2 increase in sale price for every $1 spent on staging. I can’t even remember where I read it – and I’m not sure it has to be proven out exactly. What I can say is that the sentiment is correct. A staged property shows WAAAAAAY better than one that hasn’t been staged.
You might be thinking that you don’t have the resources to stage, that it might be too expensive, that you don’t want to put away your furniture and bring in staged furniture. Some of that won’t be necessary, in some cases just a few tweaks will make all the difference between a quick sale vs a listing that languishes on the market for months.
When you invite me in, we’ll talk about how necessary it might be to stage. We’ll talk about what staging means relative to YOUR house. We might even decide to bring in a professional stager; I work with several who come highly recommended. Get Organized With Maria is wonderful!
In the mean time, here are some tips for your to consider:
- De-Personalize and eliminate distractions – You do not need to remove every shred of personal items and photos. The goal of de-personalizing is to allow a potential buyer to imagine themselves in the space. Try to remember that you are not selling your home, you are selling a house. Your home is going with you and your house will become someone else’s home. They have to be able to envision themselves there. If there are too many family photos and degrees and vacation pictures and trophies, attention will be focused on those things rather than the house.
- Maximize space by starting to pack! Clear off your kitchen and bathroom counters, empty your closets, hang a single sweatshirt on the coat rack, empty shelves – a few books rather than a hundred books. If you have to ask if something should be put away, just put it away; less is always more.
- Clean, clean, clean start by clearing the clutter: clear counters, remove throw rugs at sinks, etc.. Then add some touches such as fluffy white towels in the bathroom, a glass bowl full of lemons in the kitchen, simple place settings for two in the dining room.
- Modernize – this might take a little effort but it will be worth the time and the money. Replace gold fixtures with nickel or chrome – door knobs, bathroom fixtures, light fixtures. Did you know you can buy a stainless steel stick on covering for your dishwasher? (neither did I!)
- Neutralize – See #1. Painting is another great way to do neutralize and modernize.
Please understand that I do not expect these things to be done before you invite me in. I can help you figure out what is worth the the time, energy and money. Believe me when I tell you I have heard and seen it all. Whatever you are afraid for me to see, I have probably already seen.
I’m happy to help you determine the value of your home in today’s market – no matter where you live or when you think you’ll be ready. You can contact me via phone, Facebook, email or text message. Or you can head over to my website and click on Contact!
