Remember the story of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears?
- Sometimes the porridge is too hot,
- sometimes the porridge is too cold,
- and sometimes the porridge is just right
The same is true with home staging. I have been staging vacant and owner occupied properties in the St. Paul, MN areas for many years and I see staging results that are:
- too hot ...busy and distracting
- too cold...uninspired and leave you flat, and
- just right...that's where I like my projects to be!
TOO HOT!
Here is an example of the staging being too hot!
A buyer viewing this property on the MLS or in person would likely miss the great features the space has to offer because his or her eye is drawn to
- the large green plant looming in the foreground,
- the enormous vase of flowers on the sideboard and
- even more flowers on the window treatment and the table.
Home staging is all about making the property appeal to the maximum number of buyers. A skilled stager will stage the property to appeal to the lifestyle and taste of the target buyer.
This property is in Highland Park, MN, a neighborhood in St. Paul, MN. Highland Park appeals to young professional families. Most 30 somethings would not relate to this decorating style, it might even remind them of their grannies house. I bet that most would not make a listing appointment after viewing this on-line.
Home buyers in St Paul, Minnesota are discriminating and sophisticated. This staged vacant home would not be on the top of their must see list.
I wonder if a buyer would even notice that updated light fixture, the beautiful hard wood floor and the generous size window that lets in lots of natural light?
TOO COLD
Then there is the other extreme. A property that is stripped of all accessories and only has a piece of furniture placed under a light fixture to keep buyers from bumping their heads is also not going to capture positive attention either.
In this picture a buyer would be struck by how crowded the room is with the sideboard and the table completing for the space.
The room is cold because there are no accessories on the table, or art work to soften the wall, or rug to anchor the table in the space.
I think most buyers would pass up this listing on line because their first impression would be that the dining room is too small to be really useful.
JUST RIGHT
And now we have a room that is simple but lovely. The sideboard has been moved out, accessories have been added to the table, art has been added to the walls, a small natural element has been placed in the corner to soften the angles in the room, and an area rug has been placed under the table. Oh...and let's not forget about the floral from the window. Too taste specific, it had to be removed.
Staging a vacant home in this crowded St. Paul, MN real estate market is critical. But just as important is hiring the stager that will get it JUST RIGHT. For more before and after pictures of staged vacant properties in the St Paul, MN metro area please visit my website.
Make It A Great One!
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