The Process at Real Estate Staging by Sarah

You may have seen television shows where homeowners with properties that just won’t sell talk to home staging experts about what they can do to remedy the situation. Home staging is becoming an important aspect in selling homes today. In many areas of the country there is a large supply of homes and, as a result, a very competitive market. If you want to make your house the most sellable one in the neighborhood, you’ll undoubtedly have to perform some home staging.

Home staging is cleaning, organizing, rearranging, updating and preparing your home for sale. A large factor of why people buy a particular home is emotional. This is one of the reasons home staging is so effective – you create an atmosphere that projects pleasant times to come in a well-cared for, fresh, bright and uncluttered home.

Step 1 — Clear It

Clear out the clutter. This is the first and most important step to home-staging success. It does not have a cost a cent and it will make the biggest impact when selling a home.

Clutter is more than the day-to-day stuff that we accumulate, such as newspapers, magazines and mail. Too much furniture, too many collections, too many toys and too many accessories can make a home seem crowded and confining. By removing the excess, you are better able to highlight the space-and space sells houses.

Step 2 — Pack it

Clearing out the clutter makes packing more manageable. Buyers must be able to focus on the house and the space to determine how it fits their needs. They cannot do this if they are distracted or overwhelmed by the current owner’s belongings or decorating style. The seller should keep only those furniture pieces that enhance the space and convey the message of how the rooms are to be used.

Step 3 — Clean it

The house must sparkle and smell fresh. Dust, smoke, mildew and pet odors will make potential buyers turn in their tracks as soon as they walk in the door.

Step 4 — Fix it

Potential buyers want to see that the home has been well maintained. If minor repairs have not been made, the buyer might wonder what major repairs have been neglected.

Step 5 — Enhance it

Enhancing the home by setting the stage is the defining element in making a memorable impression on the buyer. Your goal is to create inviting scenes that will help the buyer to envision living in the home.

Buyers are looking for spacious, uncluttered, light-filled rooms in a home that is move-in ready. Give them what they want through the creative used of furniture, accessories and lighting.