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Staging and the next generation of home buyers.

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., NHRE# 02863

 

Staging and the next generation of home buyers…Needs and desires have changed and not all new buyers can see past the “old homes – Good Bones”. With the lack of new housing starts, it makes perfect sense to buy an existing home – but you need to see yourself living there – not the personality of the past owner (or family that made this home theirs up to now).

 

To stage or not to stage? It may be the question, but the answer is not always Yes or No. While there are properties where a total "staging" is not only warranted but possible, there are also homes and situations where the needs of a family still living in the house must be accommodated while allowing the rooms to present themselves in a more versatile light.

 

On a number of occasions I have worked with Realtors and their clients to provide some creative options for "micro-staging." This can be especially helpful in older/historic homes and for custom homes that were built with one particular family's interests in mind. It can also be useful in homes that have been lived in by one owner for many years. We are all reluctant to part with our "favorite furniture" but younger buyers may be overwhelmed by house filled with a décor format that pre-dates their childhood. The removal of one or two particularly domineering pieces can make all the difference. 

 

Today's furniture, technology, and lighting offer endless possibilities to transform yesterday's home for tomorrow's owner's lifestyle. From shared spaces to individual bedrooms I can help you create a dialog that presents the potential buyer with a home's most appealing and realistic opportunities.

 

As a Realtor, it is so important to be aware of the current design trends.  In monthly newsletters I will included several articles that might be helpful as you guide your sellers in preparing their homes for sale.  Also included will be information that you can use to help potential buyers determine how they might live in a home they are interested in purchasing.

                                                                                                                                                   

This is our first quarterly newsletter specifically for Realtors.  If there are certain topics you would like to see in this newsletter, please contact me at crt@crtinteriors.com.  For the past 25 years I have worked very closely with the real estate community and have also sold real estate myself, so I do understand your needs.  Please call or email me if you have any questions about how we might work together : Randy Trainor –Designing Wisely.     


I hope you enjoy Randy’s thoughtful article, we will continue to collaborate on Real estate design and staging advice as it can help Realtors sell more homes.     


Several surveys I participate in have drawn the conclusion that Generations that follow the Baby Boomers are more concerned about Eco-friendly options. Smaller carbon foot prints, family oriented space and eliminating association fees in their housing choices - will be important in future purchasing decisions. which leads me to believe recycling existing homes and staging them for today's buyers will help sell homes that currently don't fit the bill for many buyers desires. 

 

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                                                                                                                                                                              Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

                    steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

                        MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

                         My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

                    Lincoln NH &  Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

    Grafton County NH MLS search

Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

In the area I live, staging isn't such an issue compared to the more upscale properties.  A barn is a barn!

Jan 27, 2012 06:17 AM
Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County

Hi Steve. I was just thinking that staging is becoming increasingly more important since so many people shop online. We need good pix and those generally come from good staging situations. 

Jan 27, 2012 06:54 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Melissa...I agree on the photos, I also remember when I was a kid "we never were allowed in the Formal living room" today every room has to be cozy and not to stiff for the new generation of buyers...and sellers don't want to break tradition (even if they don't realize they are turning off buyers).

Jan 27, 2012 07:27 AM
Kim Sellers
Lake Arrowhead, CA Coldwell Banker - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead Realtor - BRE#01412099 - Lake Arrow

Good post!  I have noticed how a lot of buyers cannot see past the carpet and paint... so I make them see past it :)

Jan 27, 2012 08:31 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Kim. right on seller have to know it's not about their tastes any more - it's what a buyer is going to like.

Jan 27, 2012 10:25 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I am at a place where it depends on price point and listing.  So much of what I sell is not at all about the house, but the land on the lake.  But if it not on the lake it seems to be much more important in my area.  And it certainly improves your odds of showing when the on line photos look inviting.

Jan 28, 2012 02:17 AM