Staging is Like Resume Writing

When I graduated from school and was ready to seek my fortune, I wrote a resume summing up my life to that point.  Despite my lack of experience, I easily filled up two and a half pages of courses, clubs, certifications and such that sounded like "good resume material".  After a little more embellishing, I added another half page and proceded (thank God!) to a head hunter / consultant to review my efforts.

I sat mortified as she heartlessly stripped away my achievments as if they meant nothing until my resume was broken down to one page of neatly organized special achievements and accolades along with my contact information. 

As an employer today, I see more than ever how useful it was to break down and organize the material--making sure the most important information was showcased at the beginning.  I know now that employer's want, and deserve a brief and informative summary reflecting a prospects achievments and personality.

Home buyer's are much like employers. 

In consulting seller's, I often find the biggest problem is when they try to keep everything.  As a realtor, I try not to indulge in lifestyle coaching.  If a seller wants to pull all their extra stuff out of storage and set it up in their next home, fine.  But in selling, careful consideration must go towards what NEEDs to be left in the home.  Too much furniture, books, clothes, toys, etc. can zap the enthusiasm from a buyer and place the focus clutter instead of where it belongs. 

Another staging tip I've learned is taking out things that could help sell.  Having a dining room table set elegantly with a few settings of fine china and crystal can establish a mood in a room.  These are things that may normally never see the light of day. 

Lastly, seeking professional help, as I did with my resume, can really make the difference.  Someone without the sentimental attachment to your possessions can give unbiased advice on what a buyer would perceive.

Home staging can make the necessary difference as to how a buyer percieves a home.  Take advantage of a realtor offering these services (often for free) when its time to sell your home.