This is a question I get asked quite often by clients who are considering placing their home on the market.  Is staging Really necessary???  Back "in the day" you could place your home on the market and it would sell with very little effort in regards to presentation, as long as it was relatively clean, you were sitting pretty good.  Those days now, very honestly, are a thing of the PAST.

In today's market where there is such a vast selection of available homes for our Buyers to choose from, would it not be to your advantage to place your best foot forward and give your home a little touch extra?  The time and effort you put in will be well spent and give your home a greater opportunity to make that all important LASTING FIRST IMPRESSION. 

It needs to be understood that every showing you have, is with Buyers who most likely have chosen your home, for it already has met their basic requirements!  How will your home now "show" compared to all the others on the market?   Will it be able to make its lasting impression...as is?  You only have a few seconds to create an impact, which is exactly why staging can be so beneficial.

It can often be very difficult for home owners to let go and feel at ease with removing items which hold great personal value or memories however, what we really need to be considering is, how will future buyers see your home?  What are the "memories" that they will be taking away with them? 

It is true at times staging can be somewhat intimidating, for it will most often require a lot of effort and hard work however it does not necessarily need to incur a large expense.  Remember...it will be you who ultimately determines how much effort and money you are willing to expend. 

For people who are of the "do it yourself style" here are a few suggestions to get you off and running....

The best place to begin is "Clean ,Clean, Clean...and De-clutter."  Pick up all the personal knick-knacks and personal pictures then pack them away, for they will only distract your Buyers from what wonderful features your home truly has to offer.  Clean off the kitchen and bathroom counters, fluff up the pillows, straighten the closets, make the beds, pick up all clothes, dirty laundry and hang clean, fresh towels. (I highly recommend white for they are bright and fresh!) 

Having your Kitchen and Bathrooms  "SPARKLE" is very important for these are the rooms which most often sell the home.  Be sure they are thoroughly clean and smell good!   Your buyers will buy your home not only with their eyes but also with their NOSE... and because of this, I strongly recommend using Lysol Fresh Scent before each showing....simply spray your kitchen and bathroom counters then wipe down just before you leave.

Bring in the "Light!" Be sure your light fixtures are clean and all bulbs are working and also to have all drapes and blinds up and open....LEAVE ALL LIGHTS ON for your buyers to be able to walk right into a welcoming home.  Having light in the home brings both a sense of warmth and security, your buyers will feel more comfortable and thus take more time browsing which is exactly what we want!

Then create "Warmth" in your home by setting your kitchen table and leaving a plate of yummy chocolate chip cookies for your buyers to enjoy...it will be very appreciated and what a memory!  NO CANDLES BURNING PLEASE for this is a hazard so please refrain.

Don't forget the "Music" Have some soft and relaxing background music playing...no words, simply music. 

Your stage is now set...Best Of Luck To You!! 

*At Audu Real Estate we are more than happy to assist you with your staging needs to make your home show at its very best.

To book your Staging Appointment feel free to contact me at (616) 780-0786 or by e-mail at tvandermeer@grar.com.

You may also contact our office at (616) 791-0511.  In this challenging market every advantage is Important!

Copyright 2008 - Therese VanderMeer-Realtor -Audu Real Estate-All Rights Reserved