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Decluttered, Clean But No "WOW!"

By
Home Stager with Selling By Design-Staging

The word seems to be spreading regarding the merits of home staging. Sellers and real estate agents are getting the idea, but not the picture. At least not the picture a potential buyer needs.

The term  "shows well" is often used to describe a home that has been decluttered and are clean, but are for lack of better term, is boring. The person who staged the home whether it be the owner, the REA, or even a would be  home stager has neutralized the house so much that it has become forgettable.

Of course it has to be neutral looking enough to appeal to the largest buyer pool possible, but not so bland that it is not appealing to anyone. As a home staging professional, I have checked out thousands of MLS pictures and attended many an open house. The description often reads, "Pristine, well maintained home, shows pride of ownership. Move in ready." You've probably seen similar terms online, in newspapers and on fliers. The adds are true. The properties are clean, and move in ready. So what's the problem?

They are not memorable. The furniture and accessories are mismatched, outdated or poorly arranged. The paint might be builder's white. Windows are blocked by large TV sets, china cabinets or large plants. Bed linens are tired looking and dated. In short there is nothing about the home that makes a potential buyer gasp and say "Oh, wow. I love it." Some say that buyers need to use their imaginations, but can you look at pajamas and picture a prom dress? Good home staging can easily make a home a place to remember.

In the present real estate market a home must inspire a potential buyer at first glance and continue to impress throughout, or it will be forgotten as home searchers view the vast competition. A good professional home stager will  create an atmosphere that is inspires a "Wow! I want this house." 

 

 

 

www.sellingbydesign-staging.net

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Posted by

Linda Thompson

Fresno, CA- home staging and redesign services

                  Selling By Design-Staging

Selling By Design-Staging specializes in giving homes an edge on the competition by creating atmospheres that are appealing, inviting and that say to potential buyers "Welcome home." For more information we invite you to visit our web site at   http://www.sellingbydesign-staging.net


 linda@sellingbydesign-staging.com

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Sandi Gerrard
Toronto, ON

Excellent blog post - thank you for putting it into words so perfectly.  Hopefully one day they will all "get it".

 

Jan 12, 2011 02:36 AM
Janet Jones
Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI
Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Linda--great blog.  Sometimes I feel that sellers and realtors have read so much about decluttering that the automatic response to photographing a new listing is cleaning off the kitchen countertops and placing an orchid on it for the photo (I'm in Hawaii--hence the orchid).  Toss a throw on the sofa, remove the personal photos and the house is "staged".  I refer to these properties as "photo staged".  While the MLS photos look okay enough to have the buyer agree to see the propperty, once there all those other things you mentioned subtly turn the buyer away.  As you so well say, the house becomes "forgettable".

Jan 12, 2011 03:50 AM
Tori Toth
Tori Toth, International - Howard Beach, NY
888.667.6643 NYC & Beyond, HSR, SAR, RESA, LIBOR

yes its so much more than that. I can't tell you how many people have tried to save a buck on expsensive homes and do a  half ass job.

Jan 18, 2011 04:29 PM
Linda Thompson
Selling By Design-Staging - Fresno, CA

Hi Tori,

What's sad is that to save a buck they may end up losing thousands.

Jan 18, 2011 05:43 PM