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How Far is Too Far?

By
Home Stager with Silk Purse Decor

When presented with a home to stage for sale, there is always the question: How far do I take it?  Currently I am working on a home that needs a lot of work to draw the potential price tag it deserves.  The only hurdle is the homeowner and lack of funds.  In such a situation I have to ask myself, how much does this house REALLY need to get the price it warrants and what do I let go of in my creative vision.  I'm not sure if this dillema faces all stagers or just those of us who do both Interior Decorating and Staging.   I try to focus on the main areas of the house:  kitchen and bathrooms.  In my current staging project, it is the main bathroom that needs a total overhaul.  The location and size of the property really deserves a total makeover in the bathroom.  There is water damage that can be concealed but should it be or should it be replaced?  If replacing it takes from the budget of the new floor which do you choose?  Do you replace that old tub and tile or just reglaze it and get a fresh new look?  Chances are the new owners will eventually remodel it from scratch but what needs to be done in the meantime to sell at a price the owner is happy with as well as keep the buyer from thinking they need to gut it immediately?  My choice was to repair as much as the budget allows, reglaze the tub and wall tile in glossy white, acrylic panel over the tile on the walls surrounding the tub.  New tile floor (previously carpet...YUCK), new countertop, sink and faucet and light fixture.  Preserve the original vanity and paint it, preserve that great big bland mirror and put a sophisticated frame on it.  Replace the toilet and replace those ugly old glass sliding shower doors with a curved rod and great fabric curtain.  Strip the wallpaper and put in a serene soft colour on the walls.  We are midway through the project and the improvement is better already.  I feel the right choices have been made and will impact the sale positively.  All within a very tight budget! I plan to post pics when the project is completed. 

I would like to hear from the rest of the staging community as to any tips and tricks they have picked up over the years in case I encounter a similar one.  Thanks for sharing!

Kelly Townsend
Coldwell Banker - Santa Rosa, CA
CDPE, Realtor

Hi Michele -

Well, it sounds like you are on the right track. It is a dilema I have had to face. I think you definitely need to address the water damage. I would fix anything that needs repair first and foremost and then move on to aesthetics. Paint anything you can to save money, replace the carpet definitely in the bathroom. I did this very inexpensively with vinyl tiles and it looked so much better. Removing the shower doors and adding the curtain sounds like a really good idea and very inexpensive. I also like keeping the mirror and adding molding. Can't wait to see your pics!

Aug 29, 2008 09:30 AM
Leah J. Armstrong
House to Home ReDesigns & Real Estate Staging Vancouver B.C. - Port Moody, BC
Home Staging Port Moody B.C.

Repairs first.  Then think largest surface areas.  Walls. Paint can transform a space for a minimal investment.

Aug 29, 2008 06:14 PM
Michele Muir
Silk Purse Decor - Halifax, NS
IDDP, ISP, CDECA - Silk Purse Décor - Halifax, NS

Thank you for your input.  Always good to do a reality check when overwhelmed with possibilities. 

Michele :)

Aug 31, 2008 12:40 AM
Michelle Finnamore
Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON
Preparing your property for sale

Hi Michelle,

Clean first.

Repair/replace second

Paint third.

Stage principal rooms fourth.

Just my two cents worth.

Aug 31, 2008 02:36 AM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

HI!  These are my five..

Curb, Paint, Carpet/or Floors, Clean then Stage Main Rooms.

Aug 31, 2008 10:33 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

I would concentrate on the main impact rooms (living - dining - kitchen - master bedroom & bathroom) and paint as needed, update light fixtures, update flooring, make sure everything is really clean -- then stage.  Don't conceal or cover up ANY damage!

Aug 31, 2008 04:43 PM
Terrylynn Fisher
Dudum Real Estate Group - BuyStageSell.com - Walnut Creek, CA
HAFA Certified, EcoBroker, CRS, CSP Realtor, Etc.

This is exactly what you would recommend if a stager asked you the question, I'll bet.  Great thought process and you accomplished more with less money.  That's doing your client a huge service, good job.  

Aug 31, 2008 07:09 PM
j r
International, IT

That must be difficult "where do you draw the line"?? but I guess that's why we are stagers !!

Sep 12, 2008 05:44 AM