Welcome back to my new series, What's Wrong with This Picture?-where we take constructive look at actual listing photos. And as always-to keep it positive and helpful-if you can claim any photo as your own, you receive a free interactive consult, value up to $180.00.

In Home Staging, a pleasing visual is just the beginning. It's not just about the stuff, it's the people. Preparing a property for sale is a business decision, so to that end, it's crucial to be able to de-sensitize any shortcomings, take them out of the personal arena, and place them into a business context.

Knowing WHAT is the first step; understanding the WHY leads to change. It makes it a business issue, not a judgment or attack.  It also lets this Westchester County Home Stager translate these issues into authentic and meaningful dollars-and-cents disadvantages to the seller.  

Here's that first photo.

ARers are a sharp bunch, you caught pretty much all the issues (click here to read comments). Smiled-of course Debbie Gartner aka The Flooring Gal questioned the carpet, and between them- fellow Stagers Maureen Bray and Sally Weatherley got  both WHAT and the WHY.

The question I had posed to my workshop group last week was: is this a Master BR in a $795K, 5 BR house in lower Westchester-or the BR in a one BR $145K coop in older, garden apartment building. A fair amount guessed right, but not til after some serious reflection.

This is the Master BR of a five BR house. The poor photo quality tells me the agent lacks skill, and/or attention to detail-with could cost dearly in getting a sale to the closing table.

An unremarkable basic vanilla space demonstrates neither value or worth to a buyer. It is not motivating, there is nothing to 'want'. Outdated aesthetics can lead buyers to infer the infrastructure of the house is also outdated. Or worse, it's an estate sale that 'needs' to be sold quickly-inviting, low-ball offers.

OK, so keeping all that in mind, what's wrong with this picture-and why will it not help get the property noticed, and sold?

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"Home Staging is anything that betters the market position of a property, while easing the minds of both the seller, and Realtor"    ~TRH

Our spaces affect us profoundly. Whether you are buying, selling or staying-The Refreshed Home is your Westchester County Decorating, and  Home Staging specialist. Bettering Westchester and lower Fairfield County  CT homes since 1981, we know it's about more than a good visual.

The Refreshed Home helps you plan, and make good decisions.  It's creative and quality direction for the DIYer, full service to the busy, or out of the area homeowners/landlords.

Need to sell? Have listless listings? Just ready for a change? Know that something needs to be done, but don't know where-or how-to start?  Let The Refreshed Home be your partner in change.  Because when your space works, so  many other things fall into place!

Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!

QUESTIONS? Don't hesitate!! 914.607.2895 

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5 Comments on What's Wrong with This Picture? (NEW SERIES!!)

JUL
18
980,499 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Okay I'll guess that the covered patio table and bar-be-que don't really accentuate the positive here.  Take the covers off for the photo, maybe reposition the grill and put some flowers out . . . show the beauty of a otherwise drab looking patio outdoor space??
2:55pm • #1
159,170 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Marie,

I guess I could add some picks as well..... Photo out of focus, and backyard patio would look much better if it would be staged with some chairs around..

Well, I feel sorry for the owner.

Tatyana
5:03pm • #2
1,136,658 Points 152 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thx for the mention.  Hard to believe that is MBR in 5 bedroom place.  So sad.

Well first, when was this picture taken?  Looks like Feb or potentially Mar (t the latest).  So, how long has this been on the market?

Second, why cover the grill & the table.  Looks cheap and dirty.

third, lovely plants.  They look so healthy. Oh, and the trees on the right should be trimmed.

Fourth, it's not inviting.  No chairs, no sign of life.  This is supposed to be a fun, cozy and relaxing area.  Maybe some potted plants for flower...but oh no...they might get frost bite since my picture is so old.
6:28pm • #3
JUL
19
387,453 Points Outside Blog

A lot of things to be learned from photos. Glad I photograph mostly vacant homes. Makes my job easier!
3:02pm • #4
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You guys are GOOD!  Again, tying the suggestion to a benefit-what it will do, how it will affect the seller's situation-is what makes it helpful, and not a criticism. 

This type of space does not count towards square footage of house, so if buyers are comparing sq footage, or cost per square foot, the house with an inviting, very functional patio is BONUS SPACE. It will feel like it is worth more compared to other homes with similar prices/square footage.

Here in NY metro area, it's feasible to have this as usuable living space at least 6 months of the year; I tell clients to stage outdoor spaces to the max, March is not too early to start....more details on next post.
8:53pm • #5


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Marie Graham Westchester County NY Home Stager

White Plains, NY

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The Refreshed Home White Plains NY

Office Phone: (914) 607-2895

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