" Free upgrades," "Green Homes," "Low interest rates," "Pick your colors, flooring,lighting," "New energy efficient homes," " Huge master suites." The ads for the new builds in single family housing go on and on. The offers are very tempting especially for entry level, first time buyers. Why should they settle for an older home which very likely shows it's years even if the owners have done their best to keep it up?
How can homeowners who put their houses up for sale compete with the new builds being offered at affordable prices and with so many insentives. Most first time buyers don't want a house with potential. They want new and fresh. So what can sellers do to make their homes competitive?
HOME STAGING the best, most cost effective marketing tool a home seller has. Home Staging can be as simple as a walk through and consultation after which the home owner makes the needed changes.
Though many people don't want to spend money on a home they're going to sell, home staging, is one cost that is a great investment. It can make the difference between months on and off the market, price reduction, more months on the market ( all the while making house payments on the home) and a quick sale, often at or above the sellers price.
Home staging gives the home a fresh, newer appearance. It creates a clean, but warm, inviting environment that appeals to buyers. Most buyers today are not looking for potential in a home or one that needs TLC ( major fixer upper). They want new looking, clean and fresh.
I recently accompanied a young couple on their first home search, walking through countless houses and helping them make an offer on a one owner home, built in 2003. They were happy enough with the house until a friend suggested visiting a new developement. After the first visit to the new build model they pulled the offer. Like many of their friends they are now living in a home that is brand new.
We had seen bigger homes, larger lots, mature landscaping, but nothing that didn't need a good dose of home staging. Had some of these homes been staged it may have made a big difference in our home search and outcome.
Sellers need an edge in the competitive world of home selling. Home staging is that edge!
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