By Cathy Hobbs
From Tribune News Service
Staging is a longtime secret weapon relating to selling a house. Ask any savvy real estate agent and they will likely admit that home staging is one of the key tools in their marketing toolbox.
Why? The reality is that most potential buyers lack vision. A space that is cluttered, in need of repair or overly personalized immediately signals worry and work to potential buyers. Most understand the reality of what a space looks like now, as opposed to what the space could be. Here’s how to maximize your staging potential.
Stage Primary Rooms
Living rooms and primary bedrooms are two of the most important rooms in a home. Living rooms are often one of the first rooms to enter in a home and the main space for entertaining, so it is important that the presentation is strong and makes an impact. Primary bedrooms are considered sanctuaries and often have great importance and appeal to potential buyers.
A living room with sparse personal belongings. Handout/TNS
Staging leading to an accepted offer within 30 days on the market. Handout/TNS
Let Furniture Placement Take Center Stage
The goal in primary spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms is to create a cohesive furniture arrangement. In many instances, occupied listings have an overabundance of furniture. When it comes to home selling, less is more. The goal is to allow potential buyers to be able to see the space, as opposed to focus on the stuff.
A living room prior to staging. Handout/TNS
The same living space staged and styled. Handout/TNS
The same living space staged and styled. Handout/TNS
The same living space staged and styled. Handout/TNS
Getting Started
Start with foundation pieces and end with the details. In other words, start big and end small. Begin with large items such as sofas and area rugs, then focus on complementary elements such as artwork and end with details such as toss pillows, throws and accessories.
A bedroom cluttered with personal belongings. Handout/TNS
The same bedroom after staging. Handout/TNS
Stay Neutral
Neutral color palettes are ideal for staging. Not only do they blend with other colors, but they also create a soothing environment. Colors such as gray and off-white work well.Stage It, Sell It
When a property goes on the market, it is no longer a seller’s home. Instead it is a product for sale that will be compared to other products. In seeking the ideal home, most potential buyers will visit more than one house, comparing and contrasting selling features as far as the positives and negatives. A staged home conveys one that is move-in ready, which is the desire of most potential buyers.Top Staging Tips Include:
— Neutralize — Declutter — Depersonalize — Minimize to maximize space — Invest in minor repairsCathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.
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