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THE FIRST THING BUYERS SEE, ONCE THEY ENTER

By MaryBeth Strait

Home Stager

November 23, 2011 03:54 AM

Entry Way

This area should feel spacious and inviting:

Remove

Key racks
All items on the coat rack
Wall paper
Loud, bright or a taste specific paint color(neutral colors are best)
Dated, cracked or worn tiles. Either hide them with a rug or consider replacing them with updated tile or wood.
Provocative, religious, cultural, political artwork or items(this includes crosses and Buddha statues)
Shoe racks and shoes by the front door
Family photos, wreaths, dried flowers
Furniture or statues that block the flow of traffic
Pointy or prickly plants or flowers
Replace brass chandeliers or light fixtures

Add

Rug to hide worn or dated tiles if necessary
Runner if the entry way doesn’t
If you are in Los Angeles area, you may hire me for consultations
www.marybethstrait.com

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Joanna Cohlan

Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY

Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hi MaryBeth-glad to know that you are not fond of dried flowers and wreaths-they really are a turn-off to buyers and collect a lot of dust. Also, scented candles are a big no-no. Have a great holiday.

Nov 23, 2011 03:59 AM

Hector Reyes

Hector And Associates - Adelanto, CA

Southern California

Thank you for the advice but I have a question, how do you talk to a seller that refuses to put away their religious things.

We are the State of multicultural.

I have never been in this cituation and I would like an advice on how to handle it?

Nov 23, 2011 04:03 AM

Christine Cumming SeaRealEstate.com

Real Estate Portfolio Acquisition - Santa Cruz, CA

California Real Estate and Business 831.588.7767

I like the suggestion about the shoe rack. Even though it makes sense to take of your shoes.. there's something about that rack that bothers me. I guess it's not just me. Thanks.

Nov 23, 2011 04:20 AM

Anonymous

Mary Beth Strait

Joanna- I agree. Happy Thanksgiving

Hector- I remind the seller that we want to appeal to the broadest base of potential buyers. Since religion is very personal and we have no way of knowing the religious beliefs of all potential buyers, it is better to put those items away.

Christine- You are welcome. Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 23, 2011 04:41 AM

A A

Z - Bel Air, MD

While I agree that a warm and welcoming tone should be set for potential buyers and clutter should certainly be eliminated, I do not believe that objects of religious significance must be removed. We are a multi-cultural society and we should encourage tolerance. Realtors are to promote anti-discriminatory practices and I believe that forcing sellers to remove crosses, etc flies in the face of what the industry requires ethically.

Nov 23, 2011 04:43 AM

Wendy Tomm

Beyond the Walls - East St Paul, MB

CCSP, RESA-PRO, BBB - Wpg Realtors

Thanks for sharing and first impressions are so important so hiring a professional home stager is crucial.

Nov 23, 2011 04:55 AM

Janet Jones

Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI

Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi MaryBeth--if the buyer gets stopped at the entry by any of these items, the showing is going downhill fast from that point. It's important to create a great first impression and carry it throughout the entire house, and your list is a great place to get sellers to start thinking about these little things--that add up quickly.

Nov 23, 2011 05:55 PM

Beth,

I think it depends on the house. The idea is to sell your house not your religious beliefs. I never "force" anyone to do anything. I simply make the recommendations and allow them to make the decision. However, the more emotionally detached a seller is, the less resistance there is to following the recommendations since they are viewing their house as a product to sell.

Dec 03, 2011 02:38 PM

THE FIRST THING BUYERS SEE, ONCE THEY ENTER

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MaryBeth Strait

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