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Stagedhomes.com Releases Survey Results: Staged® Homes Sell Almost Six Times Faster Than Non-Staged® Homes
Statistics gathered by Stagedhomes.com shows that 95.6% of homes Staged® by an Accredited Staging Professional, ASP®, sell within 37 days compared to an average of 212 days for non-Staged® homes. ASP® Staged® homes are on the market 83% less time than a non-Staged® home.
“Home Staging is a statistically proven method that typically sells homes faster and for more money,” said Barb Schwarz, CEO of Stagedhomes.com. “The results are further proof that the investment of Staging® a home is less than the first price reduction,” she added.
Schwarz developed the concept of Home Staging® in the early 1970’s and has since trained over one million Real Estate Agents in her professional training and speaking career about the concepts of Home Staging®. She is a nationally known and award-winning speaker, author and trainer. Schwarz developed the Accredited Staging Professional® designation and course program and she is the Founder of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, IAHSP®.
The statistics report is based on survey results gathered from over 1,000 Accredited Staging Professionals® across the US and Canada from July, 2009 through December, 2009. Please click here to view a complete statistics report at Stagedhomes.com
Professional Home Staging is the fastest growing new career opportunity in the real estate industry. Recommended by top real estate agents and as seen on television, Home Staging is professionally preparing homes for sale, so that they appeal to the most amount of buyers and generate the highest price in the least amount of time on market. In today’s market conditions, Staging sells homes. Home Staging is NOT decorating, fluffing, interior design or redesign! Instead, Home Staging is detailing, de-cluttering, depersonalizing and preparing a seller’s home to give it a “model home” appearance so that the potential buyer can “see” themselves living in the home.
For more information and full story go to www.stagedhomes.com/blogs
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- Clean your home top to bottom, in & out. A clean home presents itself as a well maintained property. A dirty & cluttered home will turn buyers away.
- De-personalize. Put away family photos, mementos and personal collections. All these item distract from the home, preventing potential buyers from focusing on its features and the lifestyle portrayed by living there. Home Staging® is not decorating, in fact it is just the opposite, it creates a space that will appeal to the broadest number of buyer possible.
- Less is more. For example: in bookshelves, china hutches, etc. remove half to two thirds of what is in there leaving a lighter, less cluttered look. During a showing the focus needs to remain on the homes features and condition not your things.
- De-Clutter. As a rule we have too many things in our homes to properly market them for sale. Before a property is listed the sellers should start packing for the anticipated move. Storing items off site is preferred but the garage is a viable alternative as long as the items are neatly stacked.
- Neutralize. It is vital that each potential buyer mentally move in at first glance. If a home is taste specific to the sellers this often prevents potential buyers from mentally moving in. Purchasing a home is an emotional decision, buyer positive visualization & feelings are vital in order to sell.
- Beautiful Internet Pictures. Take and post several excellent photographs on the Internet, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is where buyers will search first; www.realtor.com, etc. are services available to local Realtors®. Approximately 86% of Buyers will begin their search on the Internet!
- Make sure your home smells nice. Ask a friend to come in & honestly tell you what they smell when they enter your home. Sellers get used to the way their home smells and often don’t know they need to open the windows for a few hours to add fresh air and/or add air fresheners or candles. Good scents are vanilla, fresh rain, sents that will not overpower potential buyers.
- Hire a Professional Realtor® Interview at least three Realtors® and choose one that you are comfortable with.
- Price your home Right!! Price is directly related to days on the market. A property that is not priced competitively will sit on the market for months where as a properly priced & properly Staged® home will bring a lot of interest & showings; the more interest the sooner the offer comes in.
- Invest in small updates for the property for sale bringing the decor up to date. In a buyers market buyers purchase up to date properties in stellar condition. The buyers that want fixer uppers are few & far between in 2010. Gone are the days of the “carpet allowance” should it be obvious that the carpet is worn. If it is too much work for sellers to replace the flooring the buyers will feel it is too much work for them.
- Update lighting with inexpensive ones from your home improvement store.
- Remove dated window treatments; be creative replacing them with a new look.
- Bathroom & kitchen cabinets can be updated often by replacing the door hardware and a coat of paint if need be.
- Paint! Its inexpensive and can freshen rooms, cabinets, etc. Painting can go a long way on a small budget.
- Curb Appeal
- Add a pop of color near the front door by way of annuals, window shutters or a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Remember buyers will linger in this area as the front door is unlocked. The front stoop needs to be inviting, clean & interesting.
- Pull the weeds & add mulch to all the flower beds
- Define every room. From the threshold of every room its purpose should be obvious to everyone without saying a word. For example, dining room needs to show as a dining room. Potential buyers will be turned off if they are in your home and have to stop & figure out which room is the dining room. For example, if you are using the room as an office or craft room it must be converted back to a dining room.
- Be prepared to move fido & his belongings off property during open houses & showings. As not everyone owns & adores animals it is best not to have them present in photographs or on property while potential buyers are looking.
- Hire a Home Staging Professional.
- A Home Staging Professional will look at your property from the buyers perspective and make recommendations accordingly.
- Your investment in Staging your home may be a tax deduction; check with your accountant.
- Hiring a Professional Home Stager is less money than you think. As in the case of Realtors®, interview at least three and hire one that you are comfortable with. The Home Staging Professional should:
- Have been formal training specifically in the field of Home Staging®
- Have insurance
- Be able to provide references
- Have a portfolio of their work
- Think Marketing, Marketing, Marketing!!! When your home goes up for sale it becomes a house for sale and must be prepared for the next family that will make memories there.
After many challenges last year in my personal & family life I am "over the top" ready for 2010!! I am expecting great things ...
They are already coming!! In today's St Pete TImes I have the privilidge of being featured in a story on Home Staging. I was found because of my ranking on Google AND my Blog. I worked hard in 2009 to do both! It is a blessing to be found and recognized!
Many thanks to B Buckberry Joyce St Pete TImes staff writer for writing the story. YOu may read the abbreviated version @
http://www.tampabay.com/features/homeandgarden/stage-your-home-to-look-its-best-to-buyers/1064051
Job losses, higher taxes, loss of jobs, H1N1, Iraq, war, hate ... fear, destruction and more. The news these days is not good. It is true, “When life gives you Lemons make Lemonade!!!” Within every cloud is a silver lining.
So perhaps you have lost your great paying job and just do not know what to do next. Have you forgotten that you disliked that job; that it was never what you pictured yourself doing every day and it certainly was NOT your passion. The silver lining is showing itself if you are out of that job ... you now have time to find your passion and a way to make work your reason to get up every morning! We still live in the greatest country in the world, have the greatest opportunities are available to us and we are Americans!
What are we to do with this Opportunity? May I use football to make my point? When the players take the field there are two teams, the offense & the defense. A good offense has the play and works their plan. If at first the strategy doesn’t work they have three more tries to gain 10 yards before starting a new set of downs. Without executing the offensive plan the team with the ball would fall prey to the defensive who will make take first move making victims of the offensive. I am always on the offense making a plan and "taking it 10 yards." If I lose yardage, drop the ball, fumble or am even intercepted I still go back to the drawing board and reformulate my plan. I press on no matter what!!
My point? There is a silver lining within any loss; freedom being one. In the case of a job loss you gain the freedom to turn your passion into your occupation. I never thought my passion for home design could possibly provide me money, success and the fulfillment it does today. I had never heard the term Home Staging yet I had been doing it for years. I certainly did not know it could be my career and professional success.
If your income is down, your house value has tanked you owe it to yourself to fight you way up, out & into a new life. Do not wait for something to happen. Do not be on the defense; it’s destructive!! Join the offense and make a plan/play. There are no promises of perfect sailing but we only have one chance at this thing called life. Live the life you have been given and make it the best it/you can me.
What are you good at? That is probably what you should examine as you make your offensive move. We all have hidden talents, some not so hidden that we could use to do our own thing and do it better than anyone else. What do you have to loose by following your dreams and living your passion? Trade that unemployment check for a life long dream, your dream! What could be better? It's not just about work, it's loving what you do, the pride of ownership and knowing your purpose for getting out of bed each day. All of these things are what America was built on. We need to pick ourselves up and get back to it! The government has never been the answer and it never will be, our perseverance and drive is the answer.
So get up and heal your wounds and get on with living the life the good Lord gave you! We will get back to the America I know and love through individual effort.
I'm in Atlanta this week to further my Staging training under the teachings of Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®. I look forward to seeing Barb today through Friday and making new ASP friends. As I arrived at the hotel last night I found some old & new ASP friends in the restaurant - what fun!! There were a lot of laughs as there will be all week ... can't wait! More later!
7974 Sailboat Blvd #203 - lovely upgraded unit move in ready!! Contact Denise Hobbs for showing 727-492-4175 - EMAIL Denise@DeniseHobbs.com
   
I receive an excellent newsletter, FrontDoor Unlocked from HGTV. It is one place where relevant facts are revealed by HGTV in regards to selling real estate; not always so on the shows. Often in the name of "drama", Staging and its proper use to sell a home quicker and for the highest market value is lost! That is a topic for another day ... Everyday I am confronted with sellers & Realtors® that are misinformed about Staging; how to & what to do ...
Please pay special attention to #2 as it's more than applicable when Staging your Home to Sell
From the HGTV FrontDoor Newsletter dated 9/11/09 Top FOUR Home Improvement Myths
http://www.frontdoor.com/sell/Top-Four-Home-Improvement-Myths/28/p1/?nl=FD_v092_4Myths
Myth #1: Any remodel is a good one.
You may think any home improvement is a good one, but not all improvements are created equal. For example, one homeowner had a concert hall of his very own built in his ranch-style home. Unless the next homeowner is an opera singer, he may not want a balcony in the den. When making a renovation like this, keep in mind you might want to sell the place one day.
Myth #2: I can do it myself.
You may be convinced that you can do it just as well as a contractor, but news flash! You can't. You may just have an unrealistic idea of your "knack" for remodeling. Doing it yourself can sometimes save money, but know your limits. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Certain low-risk projects are simple to tackle on your own, but there are others (like electrical work) for which you need a professional.
Myth #3: Pools add value.
A lot of people think adding a swimming pool or hot tub is a sure seller. That's not always true. Location is extremely important. If every day is summer in your climate and it's a pool-friendly region, that's one thing, but if you live in a cooler climate it could be different story. In most areas of the country, adding a pool is a scary proposition. It's a big liability and can be a lot of work to maintain in the off-season. You should think long and hard about building a pool. It could end up being a big money pit.
Myth #4: Follow the latest design trends.
Many homeowners think it's a good idea to follow the latest design trends. Not true. For instance, peach wallpaper went out in the '80s. Outdated features must go before a house goes on the market. Granite counters could be shag carpet of the future. Neutral colors or palettes have more of a timeless feel and will appeal to far more people.
In the context of trying to reinvent the wheel Home Staging has now entered the Virtual World. Although I have offered a different form of Virtual Staging on my web site for over a year now) I never intended and never would do it in the manner now being offered. I have been asked if I could take empty rooms and enhance them with furnishings. My answer is, "No, I don't & won't do it." It may be the latest in technology to Stage vacant homes but this road is full of pitfalls. My advise, be smart don't go down that road!
To achieve the Virtually Staged look pictures of empty rooms are taken and "virtual" furnishings, accessories & upgrades are dropped in all the show the property Staged. Here are the problems I see:
- Buyers & Realtors alike will be sorely disappointed upon walking the property as it may still be:
- If a property does not look as it is reflected in MLS pictures it is an absolute turn off for potential buyers. There are enough challenges in the current real estate. Selling is tough enough, I see no good reason for "virtually" creating another objection to overcome in order to make the deal.
- Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® makes another valid point about Virtual Staging. As Realtors you are bound by a Code of Ethics. One is NOT to misrepresent properties for sale. Virtual Staging could, in some cases be considered misrepresentation. You may read Barb's full blog post on this subject @ www.stagedhomes.com/blog
Technology is terrific but we live in real homes, with real walls, rooms, flooring etc. We all "live" in reality not the virtual world! Up to 87% of buyers may look for their next home on the Internet first they buy their next home by seeing, touching & feeling it! That is where decisions to buy are made! Buying a home is such an emotional experience, one that starts by viewing homes in person! We buy homes that excite us and that we fall in love with. Professional Home Staging evokes positive emotions in potential buyers; Real Professionally Staged properties will never be replaced by Virtually Staged ones.
I cannot tell you the times I have received PICS first before previewing a vacant home for Staging. I may have an idea of how to Stage it from the PICS but those options always changes once I walk the property. Home Staging in real Estate need to remain in "reality."
I am realizing more & more many Realtors are apprehensive when it comes to approaching their Sellers about Professional Home Staging. Its tough and takes finesse. Myself, I have worked hard and with have practice become better at it. When I get an opportunity to speak to Realtors® my focus these days is to open their eyes & educate them on Staging Scripts. First, here are some wonderful sayings to add to your communication skills. In time they will become natural to you. Every single one works!
Phrases to remember - from Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®
- You can’t sell it if you can’t see it.
- Tell me about that.
- When I think I can, I can. If I think I can’t, I can’t.
- I usually receive what I believe.
- Buyers and agents only know what they see, not the way it is going to be.
- Whether or not there is a budget, we can do a lot.
- We don’t want you to spend money. But rather, we ask you to make an investment of your time, energy and dollars for the highest rate of return in the sale of your home.
- Let me tell you how I work.
- Remove the “if ’s” from your life and replace them with “as soon as”.
- We are going to do this together as a team.
- Staging is a feeling.
- Stand at the doorway to each room and say what you feel about what you see.
- Staging is creating a feeling in the room that makes buyers want to come in.
- Staging each room begins at each room’s doorway
- We need to get the buyers to mentally move into each room before the house will sell.
Scripts -
Homeowner has an odd collection of items on display all over the house.
“I see you collect . Tell me about it ... let them talk; the ensuing conversation will lead you to say ... I see, I’ll bet this is quite a conversation piece when you have visitors. Now, when we sell your home we don’t want potential buyers focusing on this. We want potential buyers to focus on the unique features of your home and lifestyle provided by living here. If we were to leave this collection on display I’m afraid it would distract them. I suggest you start packing for your anticipated move and place these treasured items in storage.”
Home is dirty; buried in clutter; it’s hard to tell the last time the place was cleaned well.
“In this kind of market, where Buyers have so many homes to choose from, they are very selective. Potential buyers will look in every closet, cupboard, under rugs and in every corner. It is very important that we get this home “Q-tip clean.” That means if you can get a Q-tip in a space it needs to shine. A Q-tip clean home shows that it has been well care for & well maintained over the years.
As you pull up to the house you cannot see the front for the overgrown trees & bushes.
How your home looks from the street should read like a best selling book cover. It needs to provide interest and a real desire to see more in potential buyers. We need to trim the trees from the bottom up and the shrubs from the top down making sure there is a clear view of the front entrance from the street.
House needs painting & repair.
Buyers today want move in ready homes that appear to have been updated within the last two years. You may not want to invest a great deal of money in remodeling and you do not have to. We agree that you should get as much bang for your buck! In this market your home needs to stand out from the crowd of distressed properties on the market. Well prepared & Professionally Staged homes are setting the standard for the homes for selling quickly today. I have a great Staging Professional that can come in with just right advice on what to do to make this property appeal to more buyers.
I don’t need a Stager to Stage my house it’s just fine the way it is.
Every home that goes up for sale need some preparation, by bringing in a Professional Home Stager we will gain that third party perspective needed to prepare your home specifically for a faster sale @ the highest market value. A professional Home Stager will know what is best and what we do to need to do in order to make a quick sale. Of course you will have the final say on all decisions.
Too much furniture.
During showings it’s vital for the flow in & between rooms be as easy as possible. Removing some furnishings will improve this and make showings easier for agents & buyers. By bringing in a Professional Stager to help us decide what to keep, what to store and the most advantageous furniture placement, to draw attention on your home’s great features we will preset your home as a quality investment.
It’s a Short Sale. I have no money to Stage
We need to be creative first, last & always. Currently, ASP Staged Homes sit on the market 32 days while non-staged homes are sitting on the market an average of 187 days - that’s a difference of 145 days or almost 5 months. Even with a short-sale the shortest amount of time on the market will save you time and money.
My neighbor is a good decorator; she/he can do it.
I am sure he/she is very talented, but by using a trained, Professional Home Stager we will know the home has been prepared with the buyer foremost in mind. There is a big difference between Decorating for Living & Staging to Sell. Please think about it and read the Staging information I have included in my listing packet.
So what are your Staging Scripts?
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Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Co AR Stager/Blogger
Largo,
FL
More about me…
Selling Edge Home Staging
Address: 12517 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774
Office Phone: (727) 639-0458
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