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"Staging"- Is It the Key to Selling in Today's Market?

By
Real Estate Agent with Prudential Preferred Realtors

 

In today's economy, especially in Michigan, seller's have to pull out all the stops to sell their home.  Staging has become an important piece of that puzzle.  I don't believe that it is the magic key  because there are other factors that come into play when selling a home.  The key factors always come into play in any market: location, price and condition.  Plus, I believe there is another way to stand out in today's marketplace... just give me a call and I know you won't be disappointed!

 

Staging Rule #1

DECLUTTER - This is a must!!!  A good way to tackle this problem is by reading my article on Decluttering.  See The ABC's to Conquering Clutter

Staging Rule #2

PAINT -A Fresh coat of paint can do wonders to a room and doesn't cost that much to do.

Staging Rule #3 

COMFORT  - Warm it up with contrasting colors, realizing that people "want" to feel comfortable in your home.

Staging Rule #4

ACCENTUATE with:

•  Focal Points

•  Dramatic piece that sets off a room

•  Pillows/different textures

•  Live Plants

•  Think in Groups of Threes

•  Add Molding (Evans, p31)

See Also 10 Steps for Staging a Room

Side note: Experts are saying to stay away from too many knick knacks, which go against the "Clean and Simple" HOT look.  See article: What's HOT and What's NOT in Real Estate

Staging Rule #5

CURB APPEAL - Don't forget about the outside

See more about Curb appeal

Overall Staging Guidelines/Definitions

Balance: Using furniture and objects to equal out and compliment the other pieces.

Harmony: When all the pieces of the furniture, accessories, wall color combine to complete the picture

Emphasis: You need a focal point (fireplace, terrific view out of a window, powerful painting).  Large rooms may need a few points of emphasis.

Functionality: If it's not functional, what good is it?  (Evans, p32).

If you're thinking about selling, give me a call and let me tell you about a sure-fire way to get your home sold sooner than later!!!

References: Evans. Mariwyn. "The Elements of Good Design." REALTOR Magazine. February 2008.

Coming Soon:

"Must Do Maintenance Guidelines for Selling Your Home"

"How to Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Home"

 E-Course: "The Seller's Inside Guide to Selling Your Home."

 See other articles at: http://www.seegrhomes.com/

Thesa Chambers
West + Main - Bend, OR
Principal Broker - Licensed in Oregon
I admire people with a talent such as yours - I can not pick a color or group anything - I can barely put my clothes together in the morning :o) thanks for sharing your tips
Jan 30, 2008 04:52 PM
Kristina Leone
Lionheart Home Staging, LLC - Minneapolis, MN

Great points!

The answer to your blog title question is:  YES!!! 

Jan 31, 2008 02:16 AM
Tammy Stone
Prudential Preferred Realtors - Grand Rapids, MI
"Eco-Green" Agent in West Michigan

Hey girls,

Thanks for the comments. Kristina, hope that comments made sense especially to an expert in staging!

Feb 02, 2008 01:08 PM
Michelle Minch
Moving Mountains Design Home Staging, Pasadena, CA - Los Angeles, CA
Home Staging Los Angeles and Orange County, CA
Tammy: I think you did a very good job of answering your own question. Finding a good real estate agent, pricing it right and staging are the three most important things a seller can do to get their home sold. Thanks for helping to spread the word.
Feb 19, 2008 04:54 PM
Janis Gaines
Staging Sells Eugene Homes - Eugene, OR
Home Stager Eugene OR - The Notably Well-Dressed H

I especially like your comment about "COMFORT". I have been delighted that several people have recently mentioned that my staging makes them feel comfortable, like someone lives there. 

I have occasionally seen Staging that is almost too clean and crisp, and missing the mark in achieving that lived-in feeling. I like to make people smile - whether its a stuffed animal, a 3 foot metal frog holding a towel and soap in a pocket bathroom, or some other little thing, I think humor is a great spice (as long as it doesn't overpower the room!). 

Feb 19, 2008 05:33 PM
Tammy Stone
Prudential Preferred Realtors - Grand Rapids, MI
"Eco-Green" Agent in West Michigan

Michelle-You're welcome.  We need to pull out all the stops to get a home sold nowadays.  Thanks to the stagers-you've become an important part of our business.

Janis - I know exactly what you mean... sometimes we go into houses and not homes.  It definitely needs to have a personal touch and not a "stiff" feel.

Feb 19, 2008 08:21 PM