Let's face it: We're in a real estate market where the competition is fierce. Buyers are almost always looking at multiple homes when considering a purchase. There is a lot to choose from and buyers can now be especially picky on which home will work best for them. And believe it or not, there are buyers who will not consider purchasing a home because they don't like the paint color!
Home shows on television demonstrate how staging brings in the offers more quickly and often close to full price. The focus on these programs is always to bring out the best features of a home that will appeal to the greatest percentage of people. Most buyers are really looking for the "wow" factor. They want to walk into a home in their price range and fall instantly in love.
It's a bit like finding the perfect partner. When dating, we try to flaunt our features and hide our weaknesses. We spend a lot of time primping to present ourselves as attractive in the other person's eyes. Further, we focus our efforts in discovering what we have in common with the other person and we often overlook the negative when the relationship is in the early stages. Call it infatuation, but home buying is an emotional purchase and you want your home to be the most attractive ----the one the buyer cannot live without.
The cost of staging a home will depend on its current condition. Be sure to ask your broker for advice before beginning any projects. Your broker will be able to advise you on where to spend your time and money in order to maximize your return. Below are the first steps to home staging:
Hire a professional: Although staging seems like the "trendy" thing to do, many experienced brokers have used this technique for years. If your realtor is not familiar with staging or does not use a professional staging agent, you may want consider hiring one that can accommodate this very important requirement.
Invest in the presentation up front: Painting the walls a neutral color and adding some nice accessories will add value for very little cost. A new bedspread, for instance, can add class to an otherwise average master bedroom.
Fix the neglected maintenance items: Repair the leaky faucet and the broken doorknob. Buyers are turned off by projects that will cost them money.
De-clutter your home: If you can only get one car in a three car garage, your potential buyer may assume that your home lacks essential storage. A $75 per month storage unit could be just the ticket to allow you to show off the true spaciousness of your home.
Store photos and religious items: Don't distract buyers with your personal memorabilia. Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves, not you, living there.
No Smoking: Don't smoke in the house, and if you must smoke outside please hide the evidence. The smell of lingering smoke can substantially reduce the value of your home and will turn many buyers away.
Make it sparkle: A clean, well-kept home will attract more buyers. This goes for the outside as well. Keep the yard mowed in the summer and the driveways shoveled in the winter.
Start early: It could take three or more months to clean out garages and closets. Don't put your home on the market until it is "staged to sell."
Let go of the emotional attachment you have with your home: When you make the decision to sell your home, you will have to let it go eventually. Try not to think of it as "your" home anymore, but as the perfect home for someone else. In doing so you it will be less painful to follow your broker's advice on how to get the most money for your home in the least amount of time.
Lisa Kissler, Broker Associate 303-710-3593 Re/Max 100, KC Butler/Judy Nix Team
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