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Staging FAQ's-Boca Raton-If Houses are Selling, Tell Me Why I Still Need to Stage My House.

By Kathy Streib

Home Stager

March 06, 2013 08:51 PM

Staging FAQ’s- Boca Raton-If Houses are Selling, Tell Me Why I Still Need to Stage My House.

As a Home Stager I’ve been getting asked this question lately by Sellers and some
Realtors. The media and other information outlets are talking about the rebound of the housing market. “Buyers need to act now” “Is it too late already?”

So the “frenzy” (and yes they’re using that word again) has some Sellers thinking as they did pre-2008.... just put the “For Sale” sign up and sit back.

So, is it necessary to stage your house in this market?

Remember... Condition is still part of the Top Three.... Price, Location and Condition.

It’s a common misconception that staging is just about furniture and things and moving them around but it’s more than that.

Staging is helping you transform your house into the property worthy of the price you hope to obtain.

So, why is condition and appearance still important?

1. Buyers are still concerned about the economy. A house that requires little “after purchase” investments, such as new carpeting, repairs, updates etc, will stand out.

2. Like any investment or purchase, buyers still want to see the value in their purchase. You’ve heard it and said it “I’m not paying that much for THIS!” Seeing an updated kitchen ; a move-in ready home; or fresh paint and flooring adds value in the buyer’s eyes.

3. Buying a house isn’t like buying a dress and returning it if you don’t like it. The only time you can “try it on” is when you see it. Staging and preparing a home for sale is a way of allowing the buyer to see the possibilities of your home.... allowing them to see themselves in their lifestyle there. This is how a buyer can “try on” your home.

If you plan on selling your home in Boca Raton, keep these 3 things in mind... Price, Location AND Condition!

Call Room Service Home Staging and ask for our Home Staging Consultation. Make sure the condition of your home is worthy of the price you want.

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John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

I will use your list in some of my listing situations. Thanks for sharing my friend.

Mar 06, 2013 11:05 PM

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400

The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY

Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Totally agree with you that it's all about Price, Location and Condition. But, unfortunately we still hear from sellers that they are not spending another $1.00 to update their home...

Mar 06, 2013 11:15 PM

Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kathy,

Another one of your basic and fundamental posts which serve as a great reminder, because so many forget that fundamentals are the building blocks. A

Mar 07, 2013 12:24 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Kathy, Hands down, a home that is professionally staged gets the attention of buyers moreso than an empty home or one that is overstuffed to the gill with outdated appliances, furnishings and personal items (like extensive doll collections...scary!). Well written and received!

Mar 07, 2013 01:01 AM

Nancy Laswick

United Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ

Your REALTOR® For The Valley Of The Sun

Kathy - even in a "hot" market quality and "pride of ownership" shows and will always generate better contracts. Sellers who want full price offers and clean contracts should pay careful attention to your list. I, like John McCormack, will be using it in my listing presentations.

Mar 07, 2013 02:35 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Janis- hi! Thanks for the head's up about the Google+ hangout. I went there to get on but got a message it was full.

Beth- thank you for the suggest. With the many cable shows on staging now, buyers are more aware of staging and many are accustomed to seeing a house that is in move-in ready condition.

Bobbie- absolutely. We can make the whole selling process a lot easier for the sellers if they let us show them some of the easy and inexpensive things they can do.

Christine- it's all about perceived value. We don't do smoke and mirrors.. we just work on the condition.

Karen- thanks for the suggest and happy to hear you're busy. Staging has progresse so much and I can't wait to see what this year brings.

John- wow, I'm honored that you're going to use this. Hope it helps you with your listings.

Larry & Sheila- that has always been a hard objection to overcome. I try to show them as an investment in their moving on.

Alexandra- buying a house is so emotional it's too easy to forget that condition, location and price still matter.

Wanda- you're so right. It's not all about knocking out walls or spending lots of money.

Nancy- thank you for your kind words. Best of luck with your listing appointments.

Mar 07, 2013 04:55 AM

Connie Harvey

Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN

Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Kathy, the best homes always sell first and for more. The market may have changed a little but Buyers have not.

Mar 07, 2013 05:55 AM

Liz Wallace

Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY

Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

I always tell sellers you need to wear your best outfit for your first date. Prince Charming is not coming back if you answer the door in a dirty tee shirt and jeans.

Mar 07, 2013 06:03 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Connie- I think the buyers want move-in ready even more.

Liz- did you see what I was wearing?? Just kidding. You're right... the house has to have its best foot forward.

Mar 07, 2013 09:13 AM

Kevin J. May

Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL

Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

So many Buyers lack imagination when it comes to decorating. Staging offers a partial glimpse which provides the ability for those ideas to flow. With great knowledge your simple plans allow this environment to come alive Kathy. Even if you box the PRICE, LOCATION & CONDITION trifecta you'll still come out way ahead.

Mar 07, 2013 10:59 AM

Wendy Tomm

Beyond the Walls - East St Paul, MB

CCSP, RESA-PRO, BBB - Wpg Realtors

Great piece and some really nice comments. Can never go wrong with staging.

Mar 07, 2013 12:05 PM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Kathy, I guess homeowners would be wondering why bother if everything is selling. But you just told them why.

Mar 07, 2013 01:23 PM

James Dray

Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Ms. Kathy I was going to make a comment, I had it all planned out, while I was reading the thought process was flowing and then I read Debbie's commit. Now all I have to say is enjoy the day.

Mar 07, 2013 06:59 PM

Scott Godzyk

Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH

One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Fantastic point, homes are selling, but not all homes. The ones selling are priced right, staged right and listed with the right agent who will take the time to market it correctly to get it sold. Times are not so good where a home sells itself.

Mar 07, 2013 11:03 PM

Marianne Cherico

Interiors by Marianne Cherico - Foxboro, MA

Home Stager -Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Kathy- I have been seeing a huge trend with multiple, over asking price offers on staged homes that are priced right. Staging is important if Sellers want to optimize their equity. Great blog! I think that I will reblog to share with my New England people:)

Mar 08, 2013 02:28 AM

Sharon Tara

Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH

Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Excellent post, Kathy....Suggested! Preparation and presentation (which is what home staging actually is) is always going to be necessary prior to selling!

Mar 08, 2013 08:30 AM

Michelle Finnamore

Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON

Preparing your property for sale

HI Kathy, in a more robust market staging will often create a multiple offer situation. Staging works in any market at it prepares the home into a move in ready home. Buyers typically do not want another to do list... those people are called investors.

Mar 08, 2013 08:33 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Kevin-the way I see it, Stagers are there to work with the Realtors to help them market the home via their ability to bring the possibilities of the home to the buyer's attention.

Wendy- thanks. When done correctly, "Staging" or styling your home is a good investment to make.

Debbie- I have been waiting for this question to be asked now for 3 years.

James- well any day you stop by to say hello or enjoy the day is a good day in my book.

Scott- Not all homes sell, but I do feel that there is always a buyer for every home. Of course sometimes you have to be willing to wait and wait but there will be.

Marianne- thank you. Buyers have come to expect more when they look an part of that is to expect and want a property that could be moved in immediately, even if they want to make changes and updates own the road.

Sharon- thanks for the suggest. Preparation is always key unless you want to market it to an investor.

Michelle- good or not-so-good market, buyers would prefer a move-in ready home.

Mar 08, 2013 12:34 PM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Great reasoning, Kathy. I can use this information on my listing appointments.

Mar 08, 2013 06:34 PM

Julia Maher

Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT

Connecticut Home Stager

No matter what the market is like, there is always competition. Make your listing stand out - in a good way!

Mar 10, 2013 01:48 AM

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