Special offer

I just don't know what to do with this space! Moving on to the next house...

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team

This is the mentality of today's buyer.  Buyers love today's open floorplans, but hate trying to figure out what to do with the space.  When left with too much to the imagination, they decide to move on to the next home.  If you really want to make an impression on the buyer, staging the home can minimize their concerns and show them potential...

  

Unfortunately large spaces aren't the only spaces that have this same concern.  Sometimes smaller spaces are a bit confusing as well....

This room was in the same home above and one of the first rooms you see (to the right) as you walk in.  While it is a fairly large space, the layout with open doorways, closets and windows felt a bit confusing.  Ultimately we even altered our layout once the furniture was in the home because we felt that the orignial layout didn't provide the same spacial considerations we initially thought...

  

These are different angles of the room above.  (Look at the windows in the first photo to understand the line up.  The second photo is standing in front of the loveseat looking out to the hallway where the first photo was taken from.)  Creating a sitting area and an office shows funtion, scale and size of the space.  It also answers the questions of how to make the room functional despite the windows and doorways. 

Remember, vacant homes confuse a lot of potential buyers.  When they don't know what to do, they just move on... rather than having them miss out on your listings, show them what the home really is.  Have it professionally staged! 

Posted by

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Author Bio: Melissa Marro, Home Staging Industry leader, Realtor, and entrepreneur offers a unique perspective on New Home Construction, Resale Residential Real Estate, and Home Staging

For more information on buying or selling in the Fleming Island, Orange Park, or Jacksonville, area, visit StageListSellNEFL.com or call Melissa Marro (marro.melissa at gmail.com), Keller Williams First Coast Realty, for more information (904-466-2093).

 

Comments(11)

Ron Moore
RE/MAX Professionals/Regal Builders - Retired - Florence, SC
MOORE Thoughts

Good thoughts, Melissa.  Staging can make a big difference!

Jul 31, 2008 12:09 PM
Ann-Marie Clements
Candidate for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - Saint John, NB
Ed.D. candidate, Innovative Proactive Principa

Staging is important, but what ever happen to teaching "imagination" to adults.  I think sometimes just helping them "visualize" is more important because it creates better critical thinking skills, that today many adults, least alone children, don't have. 

For the non-imaginative adults, I suppose, staging would be the only thing that would work for them.  By the way, nice staging in these photos.

           ;>)

Jul 31, 2008 12:15 PM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Waxhaw, NC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

I think you have done a great job with the space.  I believe that home stagers offer a valuable service.

Jul 31, 2008 12:22 PM
Amy Prouty
Home Staging - Keno, YN

Great points.  Thanks Melissa.

Jul 31, 2008 12:27 PM
Erin McGinnis
Picture it SOLD! Home Staging - Novato, CA
Marin Home Stager Staging

Yes, vacant great room spaces can look so vast. They serve as a great "before" when paired with a nicely staged "after," as you have shown. Thanks!

Jul 31, 2008 12:42 PM
Rhonda Duffy
Duffy Realty of Atlanta & Rainmaker Realty - Milton, GA
#1 Retail Listing Agent in the U.S.

We recommend Staging before a price reduction.

Jul 31, 2008 12:56 PM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager

Hi Melissa - that's the leather-top coffee table I used in one of my first models!  LOVE it!

Aug 01, 2008 04:29 AM
Dan Woodworth
The Connection - Garden City, ID
Encouraging Communicator

Hi Melissa, A home must look and feel right if someone is to show interest!

Aug 01, 2008 05:52 PM
Irene Woodworth
Color and Redesign Academy & Redesign Boise - Garden City, ID
Color-Redesign-Staging, Trainer & Motivational Speaker - Idaho

Hi Melissa,

Great photos and I agree with you.  I have heard only 95% of the buyers can picture their furniture in a home they visit.  That is why we are so needed to stage those properties and get them sold.  Thank you for your insights.  

Have a Colorful Day!  

Aug 03, 2008 10:04 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

I love the leafy wrought iron vine in the hallway.  I just saw one the other day, and picked it up and looked at it. Now I have to go back and get it...hope it's still there!

Aug 04, 2008 04:52 PM
No Longer Active in Staging. No Longer Staging
Hickory, NC

Melissa, I never get tired of looking at your staging photos.. Absolutely great advice - particularly for the large rooms - we need to help clients "see" the potential..  I have the opposite this week - trying to enlarge a bedroom !!  God bless,

Aug 04, 2008 04:59 PM