Topic 4: STAGING TO SELL QUICKLY

Topic 4: STAGING TO SELL QUICKLY

STAGED TO SELL A picture is worth a thousand words and a staged home can be worth thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Staging is the process of arranging your house to show it in the best light and make it easy for prospective buyers to envision themselves living there. One study showed that staged homes can sell 88% faster than non-staged ones and can sell for about 20% more. 1

EMPTY THE HOUSE OR STAGE Depending on the quality of your furniture, one common question may be whether to clean out a home completely or have it staged. Use the checklist below to see which approach would work best in your situation: REMOVE FURNISHINGS IF... STAGE IF... The house will likely be torn down The house will likely not be torn down Furnishings are worn and outdated You have a few good pieces to work with Rooms are small and hallways are narrow The space feels cavernous without furniture Flooring and walls are in prime condition Rugs and wall art could help disguise flaws Exterior views are incredible Décor could dress up bland views Wall art is drab or mediocre Walls could use tasteful artwork The space feels warm and friendly The space needs color and décor to warm it up The space will likely need renovation The space will likely not require renovation HIRING A PROFESSIONAL STAGER Pricing for a pro varies depending on the size of the home, but a 2,000 square-foot home typically costs around $2,500 per month currently to stage. That price should include an initial design consultation fee, per-room pricing for each month the home is staged, and any extras (e.g. pillows, flowers) purchased. 2

Neutral beige walls and spots of color in pillows can appeal to a wide range of buyers DIY STAGING If you decide to stage your home on your own, you can include things such as a new rug or a fresh coat of paint. Use these simple do-it-yourself staging tips to make affordable fixups in your home. START WITH A NEUTRAL SLATE As much as you might love that deep red wall or baby blue tiled bathroom, a neutral palette will likely attract the most offers. Painting is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to broaden the appeal of your home. Research shows a clean coat of soft whites, light warm grays and neutral taupes are your best bets. 3

DECLUTTER COUNTER TOPS AND FRIDGE DOORS When it comes to kitchens, err on the side of removing more personal items rather than less. Uncluttered counters, tucked away appliances, and the removal of catch-all baskets and bowls highlight the clean lines and airy freshness of a kitchen. A contemporary house often needs even more streamlining than a colonial, bungalow or cottage style house. Rule of thumb, if you re wondering whether or not to remove something... remove it! 4

BRIGHTEN AND LIGHTEN Most people like natural light. Show off windows by removing blinds or opening curtains. Warm sunlight brings out the beauty of hardwood floors, and makes any room seem bigger and more inviting. Natural light is a home seller s best friend ARRANGE FURNISHINGS Simple furniture and minimal accents show off the potential of any room. Arrangements that invite quiet reflection or encourage conversation help buyers see themselves enjoying their life in the space. Above all, make sure you have an attractive space where potential buyers can sit down and discuss purchasing your home. 5

THINK IN THREES Items arranged in odd numbers are generally more appealing to the eye. When grouping items for display, use a minimum of three items to create visual depth. BALANCE WITH SYMMETRY Balanced design appeals to our subconscious, giving buyers a sense of harmony and peace. Designs like the one to the left draw on the magic of symmetry. 6

FRESHEN WITH FLOWERS Breathe new life into a room with the addition of fresh flowers. Flowers can add a splash of color, a sense of vibrancy, and fill spaces that used to contain family photos or other personal items. A masculine space gets a feminine lift with fresh flowers 7

WRAP UP PROJECTS Make smart choices when it comes to home projects that will pay off when you sell. Think of changes that add safety, function, and beauty without breaking the bank. Never leave a project partially completed UPGRADE YOUR HARDWARE You often don t need to replace cabinets and doors to update your space. Adding new hardware can sometimes do the trick at a fraction of the price. Tip: Change out kitchen and bath handles for a quick but impactful upgrade that should not cost too much. 8

TIDY WITH TOWELS Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom with carefully selected and arranged towels. Choose neutral colors and thick, soft towels that look inviting. Say SPA with fluffy white towels that easily upgrade any bathroom 9

ENHANCE ROOMS WITH RUGS If you re staging a home with just a few furniture items, consider a large rug to pull the pieces together and ground the space. Rugs can also cover scrapes or stains on hardwood floors and visually level out uneven flooring. 10

GROUT IT OUT Give tile an instant facelift by refreshing the grout. You can rent a steam cleaner to tackle dingy tile jobs. Moldy tile grout is a big turn-off as potential homebuyers will almost certainly associate it with other larger problems. Clean grout makes a bathroom or backsplash feel brand new HELP YOUR HOME LOOK ITS BEST Staging takes time, effort and expense, but most homeowners feel it s well worth their while as it significantly increases the appeal of your house to buyers. Use staging to turn potential negatives into positives and highlight your home s best features. 11

For more tips and ideas, or to get started with selling your home with New England s top ranked flat fee firm go to: EntryOnly.com or call 1-877-249-5478