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February 11, 2009

Setting the stage for a successful sale

 

There are some aspects of a home you can’t change, like location and the year it was built. Other features fall into the category of things you can modify at great expense and hassle, like adding a second story or replacing all the floors.

 

And then there are those little improvements that don’t cost much—perhaps nothing but a little time. Staging a home for sale refers to the process of helping potential buyers focus on the property’s best features while minimizing its less-attractive ones. Staging sets a sale-friendly scene throughout the house and creates immediate buyer interest in your property.

 

Don’t forget the basics

Some of the many steps you can take to make your home more attractive to buyers are obvious. Keeping the yard mowed and trimmed, adding some seasonal color, and applying fresh paint will boost curb appeal of your property. Inside the home, be diligent with cleaning chores and removing clutter so the house looks its best whenever a buyer shows up.

 

But you can take the presentation of your home even further—and you should if you want the best chance to sell quickly and get the highest possible price. That’s where home staging comes in. Staging makes the home appealing to the widest possible audience.

 

Stage right

All homes for sale are staged; some are done poorly, some adequately, and others that showcase a home at its absolute best. Homes in the last category are the ones that buyers get excited about at first glance. Buyers often decide they’re going to make an offer on these properties before they even leave.

 

An objective eye can do wonders

Staging works best when someone with a practiced eye evaluates your home to give you tips to make it more saleable. Why not just make a few changes on my own, you may ask? Certainly, you should do what you can to improve your property’s appearance.

 

It’s my experience, though, that most people have a hard time seeing their own home with the detachment necessary to make good staging decisions. You may think your wall filled with family photos shows the nice personal touch of a loving home. Since you have such a strong positive reaction to pictures of your own family, it’s difficult for you to see that such a display makes it that much harder for prospective buyers to envision their family living in the home.

 

Staging is not the same as decorating
What kinds of advice does home staging cover? It may involve removing some of your furnishings, making changes to the décor, or moving some furniture around. You might get advice about painting a room a different color or adding accessories.

 

But remember this: Staging your home is not the same as decorating it. When you hire someone to help decorate your home, that person should take into account your preferences and lifestyle.

 

Effective home staging does not consider your personal taste. Don’t get offended if your Texas Realtor or a home stager recommends changes to the master bedroom you spent five years decorating to your liking. Remember, it’s not about you anymore; it’s about broadening the home’s appeal so more people consider buying it. The better the impression your house makes on buyers, the closer you will be to making a sale.

 

Where do you find an expert?
Your Texas Realtor may have experience staging homes, or may offer suggestions to get you started. She may also have a list of staging professionals for you to consider hiring. As with hiring other professionals, you can ask friends for referrals, and you should inquire about the stager’s references (and follow up to find out if those people were happy with the service).

 

If you hire a home stager, make sure to ask about fee structures, what services they will provide, and if they will give you a free estimate for staging your property.

 

For more helpful information about real estate in the Lone Star State, I encourage you to visit TexasRealEstate.com. 

 

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