Step Away From That Paint Can - A Word To The Wise

Two recent contacts, both in need of a home staging before putting their Long Island homes on the market made me realize that people still don't quite understand the scope of staging a property for sale.  In both instances they mentioned they were in the process of, or about to have the place painted and have a few repairs done before having a stager come in.  What they don't realize is that paint is the first layer of design and the backdrop that can make or break a beautifully presented property.

I still remember the painter, chosen by my home seller, who lost the list of colors I armed him with before he went to the paint store.  When he was unable to reach me last minute to attempt to resurrect the list, he was about to buy off white for every room.  Thankfully I got to him in the nick of time.  His answer, when he heard my sigh of relief was, "so what if it was white, it would still look clean."  I had to explain to him the goal was updated, warm and welcoming, creating a space buyers would be able to see themselves in.  Simply clean wouldn't cut it.  

When presented with the same scenario twice in as many days, I understood that the lay person sincerely believes they are doing the right thing by preparing a home for the stager, giving them a blank slate with which to work.  I think it's important for us to get the message out, they might just be shooting themselves in the foot.  Contact your Long Island home stager before you've done anything.  We can help point you in a direction that can save you both time and money, and will create a space buyers will fall in love with.

Never once in all the years I've been staging has it not made a huge difference. 

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Geri Sonkin is a real estate professional and stager, serving the Long Island real estate market for more than 27 years.  With an uncanny ability to turn even the most difficult spaces into beautiful and inviting oases, she'll prepare your home to meet the market in style and use the latest in technology to get that home sold.   If you need help selling your  home on Long Island, or finding the perfect place to transition to, reach out to Geri at 516 457-7103.