Real Estate Staging

Introduction: What is Staging?

Staging, in the world of real estate, is the term used when preparing a home for sale by making it as attractive as possible, focusing on the property's strengths and minimizing it's weaknesses. This often includes removing the "personality" of the owner from the house by decluttering the home of personal possessions. It also includes making sure the property is in pristine shape byrepairing any defects and cleaning it until it sparkles.

Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves living in your home, so arranging furniture in an attractive manner in certain rooms such as bedrooms, dining and living areas is essential. Usually your furniture can be used but if there is a shortfall in what is required, rental furniture can be arranged for a moderate monthly fee. Purchasing inexpensive accessories that coordinate and pull all the spaces together will create a flow and make the property look spacious.

A good stager will also help you replace items in your home that you do not want to convey with the sale. This would include items such as chandeliers or specialty bathroom mirrors that are fixed to the wall. It's better to replace these items before showing your home so there is no confusion with the buyers of what will be included in the property.

Remember, a staged home sells approximately 30% faster and closer to the asking price than a non-staged home. And in some cases, the improvements made during staging actually increases the value of the property!

How can I help you?

As a interior architect as well as a real estate professional, I can easily advise what needs to be done to make a property marketable. After living in your home, you may not see the little things that might deter a buyer from making an offer. My 'designer's eyes', as critical as they may be, will quickly pick up on those items. On the other hand, I can also see elements that are strong selling features and know how to draw a buyer's attention to them.

As part of my listing services, I will advise you on how to get your property ready for sale. With resources as my fingertips for painting, cleaning, and staging, you will be able to go through this process with ease. Don't make the mistake that buyers can "see through" a cluttered, personalized home. When trying to sell, the mantra should be: "My home is now a commodity". Let me help you with that emotional process.