Why Staging Pays Off
First impressions are positive on staged homes rather than negative. Research has shown that buyers intially make up their mind in less than 1 minute if they even want to view a home. Therefore, curb appeal is imperative. After a decision in the first minute, they will either confirm that decision, or rescind in 6 to 20 minutes after they view your house.
Staged homes give off the appearance of being well-maintained and send that underlying psychological message to the potential buyers. Appraisers see the home in a more positive light and are more likely to appraise the home higher than a similar non-staged home.
Staged homes are more likely to be shown more often by realtors. Well staged home are at the top of the list when it comes to which homes an agent will show.
Non-staged homes are more likely to require a price reduction versus staged homes.
In real estate, the most basic law is that the better a home looks, the faster it will move. Therefore as a seller, it is necessary to prepare that property for sale. Buyers expect their home to be in reasonably good repair. They do not want dripping faucets, broken windows and damaged doors. They expect the garage door to go down and the doors will open and close easily. When buying something new, you want it to be clean and fresh, therefore, buyers expect no less.
Staging is the element that creates the strong desire for potential buyers. I will create focal points and a sense of lifestyle for you.
So here are the 4 C's
Clean: Everything must be clean - floors, walls, drapes and windows.
Clutter-Free: Remove a lot of furniture and knicknacks. In some cases, a few new items can be brought in, but not too many because it can create a sterile look.
Color: Paint the house and have the carpets, countertops and cabinets clean. Bring in some of the outdoors by putting flowers in vases around the house.
Curb Appeal: Remember, the 20 second rule at the curb, go sit in your car and look at your home. Does it appeal to you? If you were a buyer, would you buy it? Does the house look crisp and clean? Does it stand out from other homes on the block? Do this during the daylight hours and again at night. How are those house numbers, are they easy to spot and read? Finally, put a potted plant on the door step. Or if it's fall, add some mums and a pumpkin. Christmas - how about framing the entry with "REAL" not fake, garland and a welcoming wreath on the door?
Avoid the following Deal Killers!
Odors are the number one deal killer. There are so many products out there that absorb odor. Clean carpets, NO SMOKING IN THE HOUSE, no cooking that will produce a negative odor, especially if you have an open house coming up or know that there are scheduled appointments. Instead, bake some cookies, or some bread, or how about a pie? Those smells immediately create happy thoughts with those potential buyers.
Many people are allergic to pets or afraid of them. DO NOT leave them in the home or yard when you are expecting a showing or open house. This is a huge turnoff for people. And for goodness sake, if you have a dog, clean up the yard. If you have a cat, hide the litterbox. Common sense goes a long long way.
YOUR HOME IN BLOOM