Here is an interesting article about a home I recently Staged in Raleigh NC. for the HGTV series BUY ME. Taping the show was a lot of hard work, and there is no payment involved, but it was great fun and a terrific learning experience. BUY ME producers will not advertise your business, nor can they give you a segment "AIR" date, but I will let you know when I find out.
I am staging a second home for the series this week, wish me luck!
Raleigh, April 6th, 2007 – Raleigh based Home Staging and interior decorating business Well Dressed Homes LLC recently completed taping of a segment for the HGTV series “BUY ME”. Owner Janine Varney, Accredited Staging Professional (A.S.P.) helps wake county Realtors® sell homes faster and for the highest possible price by Staging homes to have greater appeal. In March, Janine was contacted by Realtor® Sharyn Fuller of Fonville Morrisey to work on the Staging of a home in the Raleigh area.
Located in North Raleigh, the home was owned by professional couple Bob and Marji Maarschalkerweerd, who were looking to downsize after their grown children moved out. The couple was determined to sell quickly and at a price higher than other comparable homes in the neighborhood. After the initial consultation with Varney, they spent several long nights and weekends working hard to get the house ready for sale. They also invested in new granite and fixtures for their kitchen, had the interior and exterior painted and enhanced the landscaping- all recommendations made by their Stager Janine Varney.
Home Staging – What’s it all about?
“We try to teach homeowners that living in a home and selling a home are two different things” said Varney. “Not every buyer has the imagination to envision what a house can be, so it is important to make every room inviting. The house was full of personal mementos and treasures from the couples interesting lifestyle, including a history of their life in South Africa, but it needed to be neutralized to create broader appeal”.
Varney was up to the challenge, devoting over thirty hours to the project. “This was by far the most unique project I have ever done. The 3,400 square foot house had a challenging open floor plan and needed some updates. Sharyn and I personally faux finished the wall in the dining room. By rearranging the space and glazing the wall, we are able to capture buyer’s interest the minute they walk in the door. I think it works really well in this house”, said Varney.
Varney also brought in help to move furniture, rearrange pictures and accessories. “One of my favorite transformations was in the two offices, both located on the first floor. We turned ‘his’ office into a den with beautifully arranged bookshelves and ‘hers’ into a sunroom with African violets and a small fountain, a place to relax and unwind”. With the exception of the paint, granite and carpet the changes were done without spending a lot of money. “We used what the homeowner had to accessorize and Stage the rooms showing them to their best advantage. We purchased small items like new towels and rugs for the bathroom, all practical things the homeowner will take to their new house.”
Staging Increases Sales Price, Shortens Market Time
National statistics show that Staged homes show a substantial return on investment, staged homes have a “days on market” range of about 65% less than a non-staged home and that the sale price is anywhere from 5% to 20% higher than a non-staged home. Simply stated, ASP staged homes sell faster for more money than those that aren’t staged. With several houses in the neighborhood for sale, many at a lower price, the competition was tough. The couple knew they were going to have to put some sweat equity into the home and it paid off.
At one point the wife admitted that the husband was against using a Home Stager, he thought they didn’t need the help and could do the work on their own. This couple was more interested in “enjoying” their home and its treasures than decorating it. After seeing the transformation he changed his mind. His wife confessed that he really loved the way the house looked and wanted to hire Varney to decorate their new home. “This happens all the time” said Varney. “I love working with clients to pare down their old house and then help them create a different home that reflects their new life”.
The couple’s home went on the market on a Saturday with a list price of more than $20k over the realtors’ estimated market value, based on the average appreciation rate in the neighborhood and in relation to other comparable homes. Two days later the agent received an offer the home went under contract after only six days on the market. In addition, the sales price was much higher than Fuller had originally expected before the Staging was done.
As the Spring real estate market kicks into high gear, many sellers and agents are looking for innovative ways to make homes stand out and attract savvy buyers. Home Staging is a cost effective way to gain that competitive edge. Most Home Stagings cost between $250-$500 depending on the size of the house and the homeowners involvement. Real Estate agents are catching on, agent Sharyn Fuller is convinced and has recommended Janine Varney to clients and agents alike telling Varney, “You were key to the success of this (sale), KEY! Thanks for all your hard work”. Varney has already begun filming a second segment of “BUY ME”for HGTV.
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