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Staged to Sell!

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Horizon

In this ever changing market it is important to always go above and beyond to make your listings stand out above the rest. Staging a property is key! If you feel it's something you can't tackle then you can always bring someone in from the outside however staging also doesn't have to be a costly or a major project.

Here are some easy tips to keep in mind while staging...

  • The home must have a detailed cleaning inside and out...appearance and curb appeal is a must
  • Maximize space as people respond to space. You will want to de-clutter the home as much as possible
  • It is important that each room be staged for its intended purpose. If your client has transformed a bedroom into an office, you will want to stage it as an actual bedroom.
  • Rearrange furniture, position furniture towards a focal point in a room. Each room has its own focal point or else you can create one. It's always best to use something architectural (fireplace or built-in) as a focal point versus furniture as you are selling the home and want to focus on something that will actually stay with the home versus a big screen television.

Keep in mind that while you are staging your home, you are not only selling the home but you are also selling a lifestyle. We all know that most people buy by emotion so people need to feel a connection.

Below are some pictures of one of my recent vacant listings that I staged. I didn't really have to spend any money as the items I used to stage this home were from my inventory. I always look for sale or clearance items when needing to add some pieces to my collection.

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Show All Comments Sort:
Susan Walters
Keller Williams Realty, Ann Arbor, MI - Ann Arbor, MI

Monica, I have an interesting property listed and asked the seller to not lease it for two months so I could stage it and try to sell it instead - it has been a rental for about 10 years.  The two months are up and my advertising and promotion have brought tons of people through and I expect an offer any day now - either rental or sale (I want the sale!) but I had a lot of people comment on the staging.  I picked up a high end investor almost exclusively from the staging (he didn't want to buy) and several other people asked if the unit was to be rented furnished - YES, for a charge!  Staging does work, no question about it, but it is not eveyone's strong suit.  Hiring a professional is the way to go if there is any doubt. 

 

Nov 12, 2007 05:24 PM
Monica Pineda
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL Real Estate

Hi Susan-

That's great! I have had similar situations due to staging so I know it makes a difference. Good luck with that listing *SALE* and with your new investor! :)

Nov 13, 2007 03:47 AM
Monica Pineda
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL Real Estate

Hi Cindy-

No, I did not take any classes however interior decorating has always been of interest to me so I have some experience. One thing I do always tell agents if they want to work on staging is to visit new construction model homes as well as their websites. You will not only get great ideas but you will see what is popular. If you have any specific questions, please let me know and try to answer them for you. :)

Nov 13, 2007 04:39 AM
Stephen Joos & Chris Brubaker- HouseFront
HouseFront - Denver, CO
Those are some great looking pictures, and really good tips for everyone.  Stagging really makes a difference it sparks buyers minds as to what they could do with their new home.  
Nov 13, 2007 04:40 AM
Monica Pineda
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL
RE/MAX Horizon - Elgin, IL Real Estate

Thank YOU for the comment and the add :)

Nov 13, 2007 06:07 AM
Tyghre Collentine
Coldwell Banker Burnet - Minneapolis, MN
So true Monica, so true!  Best Wishes!
Nov 13, 2007 08:05 AM