What is home staging and why should you consider it as a part of your sales strategy? Often people spend days previewing properties with their Realtor®. At a point it becomes difficult to remember each house. They all sort of blend into one memory. But, if you think about it in terms of a few questions, it becomes more clear. Ask yourself which home;

Makes you feel something?
Can you picture yourself living in?
Can you envision your children playing and laughing?
Would you look forward to making meals for your family?
Can you already smell Thanksgiving turkey dinner?
Would be perfect for watching the game?

Likely, if you are trying to envision answers to all of these questions in the empty home, it’s not that simple. First you are trying to imagine it with different paint colors, then comes figuring out where the furniture goes, lighting, accessories… At this point, you are probably a bit exhausted thinking about all of the work the house needs. You have no time or energy left to think about any of the above questions. You are ready to move on to the next house that isn’t so much work. Now think of your home. How would a potential buyer answer the questions above?

Staging is preparing a home for sale so the buyer can mentally move in. -Barb Schwarz Click To Tweet

Sometimes it is difficult to look at your own home objectively. That is where your Realtor comes in. He or she will likely have a home staging expert on their team. Together, they can come up with a plan to stage your home. Remember, the goal is SOLD in the least amount of time and for the highest price. Take a look at this infographic for even more reasons why you should consider staging your home.

Source: NAR 2017 Profile of Home Staging, Househunt.com, realtor.com, Barb Schwarz

Home Staging Sells

The images below are recent stagings that I did at two listings. Often simple updates including decluttering, rearranging furniture, painting and toning down any vibrant artwork and accessories can make a room feel more cohesive and calm.

4546 Ossabaw Way after Sonja Pound Redesigned

Before

Photo Credit: Sonja Pound

After

On the flip side, if the home you are looking at was decorated in the ’80s, it might be difficult to get past the wallpaper borders, geometric patterns and fake plants. It might have great space, but that wall-to-wall red carpet and wicker furniture are too distracting. That is the last thing you want potential buyers to feel – distracted. You want to showcase all of the features and benefits of your house. You want them to see that the family room is open to the kitchen, the ceilings are 15 feet high, the recently remodeled master bathroom… If you are not already conviced that home staging works, take a look at these statistics from National Association of Realtors (NAR):

Home Staging | Sonja Pound | Naples Florida

Simple Home Staging Fixes

Everyone loves family photos and mementos, except for potential buyers. I know it’s tough to box them up, but consider it a way to pre-pack and have one less thing to do when your home is under contract. Here are some simple staging fixes you can do;

Declutter. This includes closets. Make your home look spacious, not stuffed.
Clean Carpets. Not only will they look great, but it can remove any odors.
Make Minor Repairs. Has the doorbell not worked for months? Lightbulbs burned out?
Paint. With the help of your Realtor® or a designer, choose a nice neutral.
Pack. Pack family photos, knickknacks, seasonal items in your closets…
Store: Put bulky, extra furniture in storage.
Organize. Take the time to organize cabinets, closets and the garage.

According to Barb Schwarz, “Clutter eats equity.” When your home is for sale you want people to walk in and imagine themselves living there and not making deductions in their head for the work they will have to do if they purchase your home.

Selling a home can be an emotional time. Hiring a Realtor® with a proven marketing plan that includes staging if needed will make the process much easier for you. They will be able to look at your home objectively, and partnered with a home staging expert, recommend any changes that will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. When you are ready to move, make sure to sign up below for my email list and I will send you a Moving Checklist that will help you stay organized through the process.

Selling your home in the Naples, Florida area? Look at my Proven Sales Plan to see how I will market your home. If you need an amazing Realtor anywhere else in the world, I can help with that too. Call (239-595-0205) or email me now.