Special offer

Real Estate Home Staging Tips Charlotte NC & SC!

By
Home Stager with Interior Redesign-Design, Home Staging & Holiday Decorating

 Staging homes in Charlotte NC & SC!

 The investment of staging in your property is less than a price reduction on your property.

Is your home "Show Ready"? These 5 low cost tips will get you started on turning your house into a "show home". This is critical because if you want to get the most money for your home and sell more quickly, you need potential buyers (and their agents) to feel it's a "hot property". Staging is not the same as creating a usable space that you will enjoy. Instead, staging is the art of making your home appealing to the masses (or as many people as possible) instead of for you.

It is a valuable tool and the statistics show that in today's market and economy, staging your house would help to sell it faster and for more money!


True home staging doesn't address the issues of comfort and usability...instead, it address the best way to make the rooms look the largest by increasing the open floor plan. Whether it is elimination of extra furniture (ie.. side tables, floor pillows, large bulky furniture and replacing them with smaller furniture and larger art work, mirrors (to enlarge rooms) and wall decor. By picking items up off the floor and making the walls tell the story the rooms visually are larger and more open.

Creating an atmosphere void of overly-dramatic details (deep colored walls, etc.) can help more people imagine themselves living in the space and helps them to avoid the feeling that there is much work (painting, repairs) that would have to be done before they move in. These changes equal $$$$ and that decreases potential offer prices should an offer be made.

Staging is not decorating; therefore it has nothing to do with a sellers personal taste. Decorating, personalizes a home. Staging to sell, is de-personalizing it. It is so important for potential buyers to be able to visualize themselves living in the home, that you want to sell them.

1. Get rid of clutter and de-clutter your home!

Pick one closet or area at a time so the task isn't as daunting. Look at every item with a very critical eye and ask yourself why you're keeping it. Clean! Clean! Clean! Appliances should sparkle even if you're not including them with the house. After all, you might throw them in later as a negotiating tool. Counter tops, taps, sinks and bathtubs should be shiny and free of water spots. Remember clean windows let in more light and look newer. A very clean home leaves the impression that the house is well cared for. This helps put buyers at ease, especially a first time buyer who may be worried about the responsibilities of owning a house.

Remember that how you live in your home and how you sell your house are two entirely different things. You're going for a "show home" and creating that "First Impression".

2. Consider the curb appeal.

Create the "slam on the breaks curb appeal! Landscaping is nice, but not in everyone's budget. At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed, leaves raked, or snow shoveled. Consider a hanging or potted plant for the entrance. Sweep the porch, deck and all walk ways and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house.

3. Walk into your rooms with "open eyes".


Walk into every room and check where your eye is drawn (better yet, ask a critical friend or family). If the eye is drawn to the chipped white paint on the door frame, take some "white out" and fill it in. If it's those old nail holes in the wall, see if you can hang a picture to cover them or repair them! Remember potential buyers don't want to see this.

4. Let in some air and light in.

Open some windows! There is nothing worse than walking into a stuffy house or one that smells of smoke and odors. It might be mood lighting to you, but if you're trying to sell your home, keep it bright! Dimly lit rooms tend to look small and dingy, especially during the day. If you have a particularly dark room, consider investing in a floor lamp that will bounce light off the ceiling.

5. Don't forget fresh flowers.

Spring is in the air and flowers are starting to bloom; look in your yard, ask a neighbor or relative if you can pick flowers from their yard. Visit local farmers markets and local markets. Discount stores like Super Wal-mart and Target sell inexpensive flowers. Check with a local florist to see if they are "getting rid" of flowers. You don't need to spend a fortune to have fresh flowers throughout your home.


Now, does your home look "Show Ready"?
Step back and look at your home with the eye of a highly critical buyer.

Get it Staged... Get it SOLD!

 I will help you to achieve your goals and save you time and money in the process. Providing Home Staging services in Charlotte NC & SC.

Comments(8)

Janet Jones
Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI
Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Tonia.  Great post--very complete list for home sellers.  I love the "Get it Staged . . Get It Sold" tagline. 

Mar 01, 2011 10:37 AM
Lori Donegan
Ready 2 Stage - Cleveland, TN

Great tips Tonia!  I'm sharing your expertise!

Mar 02, 2011 04:27 AM
Tonia Mosteller
Interior Redesign-Design, Home Staging & Holiday Decorating - Charlotte, NC

Thanks Janet for leaving a comment on Real Estate Home Staging Tips Charlotte NC & SC! I appreciate your feedback! Have a wonderful day!

Mar 22, 2011 06:03 AM
Tonia Mosteller
Interior Redesign-Design, Home Staging & Holiday Decorating - Charlotte, NC

Thanks Lori for your comment, I appreciate your feedback! Have a beautiful day!

Mar 22, 2011 06:04 AM
John M. Scott
BRE # 01442690, Scott Keys Properties - San Francisco, CA
Broker / Owner San Francisco Bay Area

Hi Tonia,

I listed a home in Oakland, CA's Maxwell Park neighborhood a month ago. The sellers are very forward thinking and actually interviewed and chose their own Staging company. Most homes in the area are modest 2 or 3 bedroom bungalows built in the 1920s and 1930s. Staging makes a world of difference in sales statistics, typically enabling a sale of $20k to $50k higher than one that isn't freshly painted and staged. My listing got an over asking offer in less than a week, and is moving on to close the end of the month! You suggestions are great, even for those who don't want to spend a lot of money.

Mar 22, 2011 06:19 AM
Wendy Tomm
Beyond the Walls - East St Paul, MB
CCSP, RESA-PRO, BBB - Wpg Realtors

Hi Tonia - nice post and thanks for sharing.

Aug 26, 2011 03:22 AM
Tonia Mosteller
Interior Redesign-Design, Home Staging & Holiday Decorating - Charlotte, NC

Thanks John so much for sharing your success, that is wonderful news! I agree staging makes a world of difference! Have a wonderful week! Thanks for the comment!

Sep 19, 2011 01:57 PM
Tonia Mosteller
Interior Redesign-Design, Home Staging & Holiday Decorating - Charlotte, NC

Thanks Wendy for your comment on Real Estate Home Staging Tips Charlotte NC- SC! :) Have a fabulous week!

Sep 19, 2011 01:58 PM