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Buyers don't want your cave. Staging in Burlington

By
Home Stager

Some homes are more taste specific than others. Unfortunately, no matter how well done, it narrows down the buyer pool. 

As a Stager it is my job to give suggestions that broaden the home's appeal. 

Buyers are looking for spacious rooms for the size of home, lots of natural light and storage. 

Natural light is an important factor. It shows off the features of the home and makes it feel comfortable. Buyers don't want to live in a dark cave. 

Removing heavy window treatments can let in light. Blinds should be open or tilted slightly if the view is of a neighbors house. Shutters should also be open or even folded back for viewings. 

Dark paint 'eats' light and can make a space feel like a cave. Painting a ceiling a dark colour can darken the room and lower the ceiling to the eye. 

Make sure there is enough lighting in a room. Buyers like instant light when they switch on a fixture in a room. They don't want to wait for your eco bulb to warm up and work. Use the highest wattage the fixture allows. You may need to use a larger lamp instead of that cute little accent lamp. 

A darker colour may work in a dining room because it is usually used in the evening with mood lighting. The same is true of the master bedroom. However, in areas where we do our 'daily' living, it is better to keep a sunny feeling. A lighter tone of your colour can open up the space while still giving you the 'look' you're after. 

Let there be light!

Posted by

Retired Home Stager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments(3)

Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Janice- you are so on target with this one.  I've seen so many homes that still have only the overhead light that came with the home in many of the rooms.  Even in sunny south Florida, there are days when adding light to a room enhances everything about it. 

Feb 17, 2016 02:18 AM
Janice Ankrett

So true Kathy Streib ! Update that lighting! 

Feb 17, 2016 03:53 AM
Tamara Elliott-Deering
Central Metro Realty - Austin, TX

I agree entirely, one other tip, after you take down your heavy window treatments, wash the windows both inside and out - it is really scary how much more light that brings in. In an area that relies on A/C all summer I take the screens down as well.

Feb 17, 2016 03:03 AM
Janice Ankrett

That's on my tip sheet Tamara Elliott-Deering ! It can be hard to keep them clean in the winter too.

Feb 17, 2016 03:54 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Two things.....

If I only had a dollar for every client that's told me "but they are custom!" when I told them to remove the heavy drapes.

I HATE those eco bulbs!

Feb 17, 2016 04:57 AM
Janice Ankrett

Sharon Tara I'm with you about eco bulbs LOL. Most custom window treatments are just too taste specific. Plantation shutters that they haven't got room to open drive me crazy too. 

Feb 19, 2016 02:33 AM