Have you seen The Learning Channels (TLC) popular show called “What Not To Wear”? During the show a fashion victim is nominated by relatives or friends for a complete makeover. The participant is secretly videotaped and the fashion experts go to town picking apart the victim’s wardrobe; a humiliating experience for sure, the upside is that the participant gets a new wardrobe.
My friend and fellow Stager Michele Kurelich and I decided there should be a similar version for Home Staging. I have seen a many home fashion victims and I can’t count the number of properties have seen that are in desperate need of a makeover. In good fun I have decided to publish a few of my favorite “don’ts” that you can share with your sellers to turn your listings into Well Dressed Homes:
1) Dirt: It’s like remembering to take a shower before you go out on that first date or job interview. Sadly it is the number one thing most homeowners don’t consider when they put their house on the market. A clean, well maintained property lets buyers know the house is valued and cared for. First impressions count… make it a good one.
2) Your Pet is Not a Fashion Accessory. Yes, they are cute, they live there and those pet toys are just too much fun! Yet potential buyers may not share that love of pets. Keeping food dishes and litter boxes clean and in a discrete location is a must.
2) Heavy Window Treatments and Dated wallpaper. A house on the market should not be dressed for a black tie event with sequins, frills and tails. Less is more. Unless the house architecture, furnishings and price point support the use of heavy and ornate window treatments reduce or remove them. If they are helping to disguise a less than desirable view, keep them simple and light or use blinds. Dated wallpaper is the equivalent of a bad dye job or a comb-over. Go for the natural look with a fresh coat of neutral colored paint. Some may argue this point saying wallpaper is coming back, however, anyone that has ever had to remove wallpaper knows paint is best..
3) Too Much Bling. Your clients’ prized Warhol collection is unique and priceless; both good reasons to take them down and put them into storage. I like to call home accessories, wall décor, pillows and throws, plants and all those collectibles “House Bling”. Keeping the home de-personalized allows buyers to move themselves in. Rugs are like accessories and can be overdone. If floors are in good shape show them off by removing the rugs. Otherwise, use them in moderation to create interest and define spaces, or to welcome guests at the front door.
5) Don’t Be A Trendsetter. Yes, the projections for Spring Home Décor include lemon yellow, bright blue and fuchsia, but stay away from trendy décor if the house is for sale. Stick with a complimentary neutral pallet that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. Coordinated accent colors can help highlight unique features of the home, but keep the color pallet simple.
Treat your showing like a first date or an important job interview. You only get one chance to make a great first impression. A Well Dressed House is a Marketable Property that will stand out from its competition with a timeless style. A professional Home Stager or realtor can help make sure your house is a “Fashion Do”.
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