Staging is my passion. It is second nature to me. And presenting your home to the market in the best light is a key element to a successful sale. Not surprisingly, NAR stats show that staged homes sell for more and in a shorter period of time.
Staging is one of the things I most enjoy. I meet with clients early in the process to discuss items that may influence a buyer’s impression of the home and those that will not.
Many a time we have met with sellers that have outlined their to-do list and we have advised them to save money in one direction but spend it in another. We know the goal is to net you top dollar. So I guide our clients and my colleague’s clients to address items that will cost the least – yet bring the biggest return. It is a challenge I love.
Staging begins with the condition of your home. Are there leaks, stained carpets or walls. You may not observe them or not be bothered by these minor imperfections, but a prospective buyer might. My advice: Don’t give the buyer something to fret about particularly when you begin the home inspection process. Fix it now. The unresolved issue could cost more than the cost of repair.
First impressions start at the curb. Is the lawn manicured? Are their handsome planters with a splash of color to welcome guests. Colorful plastic toys should be out of sight in the garage.
Then I enter the home. I approach it like I am walking into a hotel. The entrance table should be spare, not full of mail and ideally with a plant - I recommend an orchid – that will last a couple of months.
When I suggest de-cluttering, it is not lip service. This will pay off and get you more organized to move. One suggestion I’ve used on de-cluttering: buy some under the bed plastic bins on rollers for each member of the family. And put the clutter temporarily in the bins rolled under the bed. If you have more, consider a pod or off-site storage. As long as your boxes are well marked it may even help ease your transition.
Buyers today often are influenced by the design ethic in catalogues such as Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn, both are at the nearby Short Hills Malls. They typically present colors that are are soft and neutral. Wallpaper been there, done that, is often a distraction.
Kitchen and bathrooms are key because buyers will be assessing if they will last them or if they’ll need updating. Beat them to the punch. Empty your counters, buy new white towels and shower curtain, and take up bath mats which make bathrooms appear smaller. Your kitchen should be airy, empty counters, leave only carefully chosen stylish accessories, and always add some fresh cut tulips.
In bedrooms, simple is best. Choose quiet, rather than large distracting patterns. If necessary consider a new coverlet and pillow cases/sham that would look fresh and give you a jump start in decorating your new home. Take out of room what you do not need to make room look spacious, restful.
Living room, family room, let the light in. Basements and garages, spare, organized….
You get the gist, this matters. Call us to get started.
