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Awwww How Cute.......

But not when you're selling your property!

Homeseller's need to de-personalize and declutter their properties to allow potential home buyer's the opportunity to imagine themselves living in the home. Period.

Unfortunately many homeseller's don't understand why buyer's can't look past the "cute" little added touches.

I reminded this homeowner that he needed to paint over his children's growth chart, handprints and footprints in the laundry room. I understand these are precious memories but he needed to make his property as neutral as possible to appeal to the majority of home buyers. To make it a little easier on him, I advised him to take pictures of these memories before repainting the space. :)

Well, I am happy to report he finally repainted the laundry room. :) How easy was that! Sure he could have added a warmer neutral color and added knobs to make the built-in cabinets "pop". But instead he used the exisiting wall color and spent a small amount of time and money on this home staging project.

Painless and priceless!

Murrieta Home Staging - 1st Stage

Now buyer's can see "the space"....not somebody else's space! Period.

(Now I need to go back and added some accessories!)

This Murrieta, CA property was home staged by 1st Stage Property Transformations. If you are preparing your home for sale please contact Janice at 951-704-0597 or email janice@1ststage.net for a free home staging estimate.

1st Stage Property Transformations

Posted by Janice Sutton - Temecula Murrieta Home Stager - Home Staging on 03/07/2008 01:22 PM

Comments (20)

murrieta home staging, murrieta, repainting, murrieta home stager, depersonalize, home buyers, home sellers, declutter

Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...

20 Comments on Awwww How Cute.......

MAR

2008

WOW, talk about homeowners leaving their mark! Great transformation, Janice!

Hi Janice,

Your pictures remind me of one the houses I showed this week -- this house had handprints done in primary colors above the living room fireplace and also in the family room. There are so many people that desperately need to sell their homes, but they haven't even done the most basic things to help their home look its best -- like basic cleaning, a manicured yard, clean carpet and fresh neutral paint. Buyers will simply pass on a house that involves too much work.

Michelle

Janice - you said it all:

"Homeseller's need to de-personalize and declutter their properties to allow potential home buyer's the opportunity to imagine themselves living in the home. Period."

I couldnt agree more! Now why won't everyone just believes us when we say that and not ask for further explanation? :)-

Janice, What a difference some color choices made. I'm glad they took your advice, I don't believe it would sell the way they had it!

Very good example of how a house needs to appeal to the most buyers instead of the seller letting their emotions get in the way. Thanks for sharing.

Elaine - Yes..although this is a cute idea....it is not cute to potential buyer's. Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle - I agree! Just doing the basics will help tremendously! Buyer's are looking for move in ready! Not "to do list" ready!

Bevin - Ha! If only it was that easy! But we can dream about everyone agreeing with us! :)

Carole- I think this may be one of the reasons why it is still on the market. I finally got him to let me remove his ex's wedding dress from his bachelor closet!

Joseph - Your welcome! You are correct..."appeal to the most buyers" that is the goal!!

You are absolutely right! When homeowners have a difficult time "letting go" of some of their permanent memorials, I have them take a photo then paint. They can take that memory with them.

Clean and crisp! The changes made will help tremendously!

Kathy

Amazing - The small things that make the difference! It takes some vendors ages to get it.

Geez, I know that must have been tough for the homeowner..

but absolutely necessary. It's not as though they can take the wall with them. Well, I guess they could cut out the drywall and replace it :)......but I think a picture is a much easier and less costly solution!

Julia

Trying to figure out the visual on how they got their feet up their...hmmm!

MAR

2008

Nicely done Janice.........reminds me of a "wall of heights" I had to deal with not too long ago. My client, too emotional to paint over, actually had the drywall cut out and replaced! Then she took the drywall section in for framing........quite a bit more expensive and evasive then paint - but it was better than the sobbing!

Janice...good for you for convincing the seller to make these changes. I got a late night call on my machine from someone who says she's decorated the house for her 1 and 3 year old children and her realtor recommended she call me. I suppose I'll find something(s) similar to what you've shared with us. Hope she's open to the same type of suggestions!

Kristina - Thanks! I always suggest taking pictures of any item owners have a hard time parting with. It is much easier to keep a box of photos that you can flip through...then packing them up and paying to keep them in a storage unit!

Kathy - Thank you! I can't wait to go over today and add a picture and an accessory or two! :)

Paul- Thanks! I love it when "a little goes along way!" Especially in todays' market where everyone is tight on moola!

Julia - It was very tough on the owner. He is currently going through a divorce and wants to live closer to his kids. He was very happy when I mentioned taking some pictures. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Cindy- You are too funny! I didn't think about that...but you're right...hmmmmm. Now that you got me thinking I many just have to ask the owner! :)

Susan - Thank you!

WOW! That must have been expensive! But whatever it takes, right?

Ginger - Thanks! This seller was extremely helpful on must of the to-do list. Good luck with your seller. Remind her that you are trying to help her get the most for her property. :)

We have had several permanent growth charts - one on a door so I just had them take the door and buy another . Worked for me anyway - hope they find a place for it in their new home.

MAR

2008

It's not just seeing themselves in the space. It is a feeling...of space, of home, etc.

Kathleen - Removing the door was great advice. Glad they listened.

Terrylynn - Thanks for commenting! You're right! Staging creates a "feels like home" emotion!

MAR

2008

Janice ~ As Joseph and others said, "appeal to the most buyers" .....and what an easy fix. The idea of taking a picture is perfect....they can blow it up if they want and hang it in their new laundry room :) I wish that other client of mine had gone for staging, but hopefully he will the next time when he puts it on the Market......then we're calling YOU!!!!

Great job, sometimes it is hard to guide them in the right direction. However, you did and what a nice job.

MAR

2008

Kathy - Sometimes simple ideas are best! That's a great idea...blowing it up and hanging it in their new laundry room.

I appreciate you thinking of me to help you and your clients! Let's stage and sell some houses!! :)

Mary Lou - Thanks! It can be difficult at times but worth it!!!

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