Tips for Sellers:  A House Is Not A Home

Your home is not for sale, but your house is!  You've made the decision to sell your house and now your home has become a product.  It can be difficult to think of a home as a mere product, but it is necessary in order to get top dollar and sell in a reasonable amount of time.  To gain an edge in the marketplace, you must package and present your product.  Your product must be priced right and look better than the competition!

Maybe overused, but the saying "you never get a second chance to make a first good impression" is so true when selling.  Buyers typically make the decision to buy within the first 8 seconds of entering a listing.  They need to feel that your product/house could be their next home and visually have space to "move their things in". 

This process is called Staging.  You may pick up a few suggestions on programs like HGTVs "Designed to Sell" or others, but it is hard to objectively package your own house.  This is where your listing agent comes in.

Hire an agent who has specific additional training such as an ASP Realtor (Accredited Staging Professional) or other professional that offers this type of service.  Staging at its best should not be costly and is not decorating.  It is de-cluttering, cleaning, and showing your house at its best.  You are moving, so pack a little early.  Most of us need to put away some of your most personal photos and "de personalize" a bit.  Your agent can help you with an action plan to use your time and money the wisest.  "Remember the way you live in your house, and the way you sell your house are two different things." Barb Schwarz 

Please contact me if you are in need of Staging help, I have tons of ideas!

Laura T. Woodbury,

 lwoodbury@cbmove.com

703-967-8181

www.facebook.com/lauratwoodbury

www.cbmove.com/laurawoodbury.com