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"It has to look like a home, just not my home."

By
Home Stager

Recently a client said just that to me. I was very pleased because it meant she got it.

She was talking about de-personalizing her home as she prepared it for sale. In her case it was pre-packing her tea cups and cat figurines that were on display.

De-personalizing a home is tricky process. You want to remove the seller from the home without making it cold and unappealing. You have to leave enough there to tell the buyer that the seller is comfortable here and so will they be if they move in.

80% of buyers that view a home cannot visualize or get past what it there. They can't imagine themselves in a home if there is too much of the seller's lifestyle in the home.

Today I did a consult on a home that had many cultural references. It was a beautiful home but you knew their heritage as soon as you stepped in the foyer. These cultural references were in every room. This is great for living but not good for selling.

My clients realized that I was there to change things into selling mode. They were open to my suggestions.

Figures and plaques will be put away while the house is on the market. A prayer room will turn back into a bedroom. I found a cabinet in a walk-in closet that will hold some of these important items to their faith. They will be able to shut the doors for viewings and maintain an area for prayer.

Their home will have less of them in it but the buyers focus will remain on how they will use the space not on the seller.

 

Posted by

Retired Home Stager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (12)

Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner

HI JANICE!  Can we all have clients like this who get it?  It's unfortunate that many home sellers take things so personal - and it isn't - it's just a fact that sells a home!

Jun 04, 2011 12:50 PM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

That's very true Gabrielle. I've had clients that get very upset about this issue. As you say it's a fact that sells a home.

Jun 04, 2011 01:09 PM
Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

Janice,

I suppose at times various personal items could be app4aling, but it would be a very narrow group.

Brian

Jun 04, 2011 02:30 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Great saying and smart seller. 

Jun 04, 2011 02:32 PM
Valerie Sagheddu
Apostle Art Home Staging & Design - Stroudsburg, PA
~Home Staging Professional, Poconos, PA

You are right Janice...it's about finding the right balance. That is where a professional stager is worth their weight in gold. We know what should stay and what should go in order to create a wide range of appeal for buyers.  Every home is unique and requires a unique solutions.

Jun 04, 2011 03:34 PM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

That's right Brian and you want the house to appeal to the widest group possible.

Yes she is Cindy.

Valerie, the balance has to be just right. It takes an experienced eye to get it perfect.

Jun 05, 2011 04:13 AM
Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

Janice, it's nice to work with clients who listen to us, these are usually the clients who get their home sold quickly too.

Jun 05, 2011 09:44 AM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

If only all our clients would listen Janice. I guess I am fortunate as many do, at least on most of the suggestions.

Jun 05, 2011 03:47 PM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

You are so right Malcolm!

Shar, it is great when they listen. Most of my clients follow my suggestions but some more than others.

Yes it does Valerie. You don't want to offend them but their house will appeal to more buyers if they make the changes.

Jun 06, 2011 10:40 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Clients like this are the best clients!  It's more satisfying when you know the seller gets it and will actually make the suggested improvements.

Jun 11, 2011 05:09 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Yes it is Sharon!

Jun 11, 2011 05:45 AM