Real estate homestaging has actually been around for many years, but it has only recently begun to pick up steam and gain attention with the help of popular shows like “Sell This House” on HGTV. Statistics prove that it works (staged homes sell 50% faster than unstaged homes and for around 10% more money). There are only a few key elements which you need to have in order to start and finish a home staging project.
Here are my three Cs: Clean up, Clutter out and Create “IT.”
The first two are pretty self explanatory — who wants to buy a home they have to view through nasty animal smells, soap scummy bathrooms, dirty dishes in the sink and someone’s personal belongings piled in corners and on all surfaces? Most people can’t see a way through these things, and it leaves a bad impression, saying to potential buyers “These people do not care about this house and who knows what else they have left undone.”
In this market, you cannot afford to leave anyone with a bad impression.
The last C is create, and it is a crucial element, but it is open for many things. After the decluttering and cleaning, it is now time to “think buyer.”
Buying a home is a very emotional business transaction. You, as the seller, know this about the buyer (even though it may be emotional for you as well). You have it all! The buyer is coming to you — to view your “product,” which they want. It has most all the criteria they are looking for (or else they wouldn’t be there for a showing). Your job now is to show off all the great points in the home, while creating “IT” — those crucial emotional connection points throughout.
This dining room is a great example. We created a scene all ready for a little gathering of friends (can’t you just hear the pop of the cork from a lovely Chateauneuf du Pape and smell the roasted garlic wafting from the oven as your mouth waters thinking about smothering that brie and garlic on the freshly baked bread?) OK, so maybe that’s a bit much, but I really enjoyed imagining that!
The point is that people love to see “IT,” which is how they are going to use the space for THEMSELVES. Creating these warm, inviting places throughout will help you sell. Good luck!
Kristin McClellan is a professional home stager and redesigner who runs her business, HomeCharmers, with her husband, Nathaniel, a flooring expert and furniture craftsman. They work together to make people’s homes more buyer friendly and help homeowners who are staying enjoy it more. You can reach her at 899-1239 or www.homecharmers.net.