FSBO Help Part 2:
"Why Staging is Taking Center Stage" 

These days buyers have the luxury of taking their time, shopping around in different neighborhoods, and being very particular in exactly that they are looking for in a new home.  As a seller, this means you need to do everything in your power to make your home stand out against the rest.  Many sellers are turning to staging.

There are two types of staging.  The first involves hiring a professional staging company to bring in "rented" furniture and to redecorate.  The second involves making inexpensive alterations to the furniture and decor that you already have in place.  You can hire a professional for this, or you can do it yourself.  Here are some tips to get you started:

Staging Secret #1
Pre-pack!  Put your family photos, collectibles, etc. in storage.  A good rule of thumb is:  if it's a great conversation piece, put it away.  You want the buyer to talk about the room, not about the unique things you have in it.

Staging Secret #2
Paint!  A fresh coat of paint will make every room look clean and fresh.  Make sure you stick to warm, neutral colors to make the space seem open and inviting.

Staging Secret #3
Re-cover worn out or mismatched furniture.  Beat up couches and sofas make a room seem dated.  Find some inexpensive slipcovers to disguise this furniture so it's not a distraction to potential buyers.

Staging Secret #4
Rearrange the furniture.  First, put any excess furniture in sotrage.  Arrange the remaining furniture to make the room appear as large as possible.  Remember, what looks best isn't always the most functional.  You may have to spend a few months with your couch at an odd angle to the TV, but if it helps you sell your home, isn't it worth it?

Staging Secret #5
Add your accents.  Put a few decorations on each surface.  The key word here is "FEW".  Stick to about 3 items per shelf.  Throw some new accent pillows on the couch, and hang one or two pictures in each room.

(This is the second post in our 7 part series "FSBO Help".... Add us to your "favorites" and stay tuned for more!)

FSBO Help Part 1: "Thinking INSIDE the Box:  Packing to Stay Ahead of the Pack"
FSBO Help Part 3:  "Top 10 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster Than the Neighbors (tips 1-5)"
FSBO Help Part 4: "Top 10 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster Than the Neighbors (tips 6-10)"

Meghan Mullee
Jupiter, FL Real Estate
www.take5team.com

Copyright 2008 Meghan Mullee