Staging: Is it really worth the $$$ ?

“Staging is the art of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers in your market. The right arrangements can move you into a higher price-point and help buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.”

While you probably love your decor and how you’ve customized your home over the years, not all buyers will feel the same way about your design. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you focus on your home’s first impression so it appeals to as many buyers as possible.Buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own.They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations.

Harsh? Maybe. BUT…

With the market still on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs & twists and turns, make sure you put time/effort/marketing dollars into the market launch of your home.Here are a few cardinal rules if you still need to occupy your home while it’s on the market:

1. Declutter!! Follow the rule of 50% – take down and put away 50% of your stuff.
2. Kitchen counters need to be nearly completely empty. A well placed knife block, cutting board, teapot, cookbook, or coffee maker is ok.
3. Nothing hanging off your refrigerator.
4. Take down all personal photos of you, your family, and your friends. You might even want to take down diplomas containing identifying information.
5. The wall paint needs to be neutral and nearly all one color or all in the same color palette. It makes an incredible difference.

Here are a few of my favorite before & after transformations of my recent listings:

After I talk through paint colors, touch up, maintenance/repairs, and pricing with my sellers – it’s time for the professionals to step in.

On our pre-install walk, my staging team and I imagine the optimal design plan custom tailored to the house’s neighborhood, age, and what we call the “vibe”. I’ve become obsessed with making sure the staging is absolutely picture perfect, right down to the pillows and flowers.

After the install, it’s time for my media team to photograph, video, draw floor schematics, and create a walk through tour.

Once photos/video is back – its go time! My transaction team and I meticulously prep the listing in the MLS, I hit active, and either myself or my team will hold the house open the first few weekends the house is on the market.

Are you ready?

The next move is yours.

Hit reply, call, or text me to get the ball rolling.