One of the mantras I hear most often when doing a home staging consultation is: "I am selling my house...not my stuff.....why can't buyers just look past my things and concentrate on the house?" Easier said than done. Even if they can overlook the deerhead over the urinal, worn out furniture and an extensive doll collection, they can't overlook how they feel when standing in a room that is uninviting or overcrowded. It is all about emotions....how buyers feel when they are in the room.
When buyers walk into a house that is freshly painted in a neutral color, with plenty of light, and just enough decorative touches and furnishings to make the space feel welcoming....they feel good...they feel like they could live there. They may not know why they feel good....only that they do. They are not going to focus on the couch or the bedspreads....their eyes will be directed to the views, arched doorways, fireplaces, granite countertops, hardwood floors, etc....because they are the focal points and the house is staged to make sure they are the stars. When buyers feel good immediately upon entering the house, they focus their attention on things that help continue that feeling.
Buyers do the opposite when in a home that makes them feel uncomfortable such as one that is dark, cluttered, with furniture that is poorly arranged. They may not understand why they don't get good vibes from the room so they begin focusing on the worn out couch or the doilies on the coffee table....even though those are items that won't be staying with the house. Buyers are soon ready to move on to the next home in hopes that it will give them the feelings they are looking for.
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