There is much written about staging and there is no doubt that setting up a home to show for sale adds enormous benefit for the seller. Buyers are able to evaluate a home without being swayed by bad furniture arrangements, garish wall color or loads of clutter. But, staging is a next step in preparing a home for sale. What must come first are the basics of curb appeal, an appealing front entrace and a generally inviting look and feel.
A good friend lives close by in a beautiful neighborhood in Delray Beach that is much in demand because of the great school district in neighboring Boca Raton. Unfortunately she is getting over a recent divorce and is under some pressure to sell. The inside of her home is a listing agent's dream. Large tiles on the diagonal, a gourmet dark wood kitchen with a center island, granite counters, 4 bedrooms and a den, 4.5 bathrooms. The home is always tidy and uncluttered.
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| Great curb appeal |
She decided to list with an agent that lives in the community, she felt this agent would have a better rapport with buyers and their agents as a resident. Here's the problem, I'll bet that many buyers take one look at the outside of the home and decide to drive by without looking at the inside.
The home is painted white and is showing dirt, so it looks more like a dull grey. The paint on the front door and garage door is peeling. This is Florida, the weather can be tough on homes. The front yard has no plants to speak of in the beds. All you see are a few dried shrubs around a palm tree, no flowers for color. The driveway and walkway is in desperate need of pressure washing.
The million dollar question??????????????
Do I tell her what she should do even though her home is listed elsewhere. I would love to remain friends with her and do not want to sound insulting.
Suggestions.
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