“Staging” Your Home Can Quicken Sales Time

by Mike Manosky

When it comes to real estate, which is more appealing to you? A house with a worn-out sofa, stark white walls, no decorations and clutter all around, or a home that looks as though it stepped out of Southern Living magazine? Of course, the latter. But why? A sofa and decorations are not normally included in the real estate transaction. Chances are they’ll be taken when the current owners move. The reason it’s more appealing is because we are attracted to things that are beautiful.

This is the entire premise of home staging. You, or a professional you hire, take certain strategic steps to make your home look more like the “after” photos on home makeover shows. It doesn’t involve any renovations. Staging is based on superficial and temporary changes mostly dealing with aesthetics. It’s normally cost effective and can bring about some pretty dramatic results.

On the west coast, the practice of staging real estate has been around for years. However, in my area (Huntsville, Alabama) and other eastern states, staging is just beginning to make an impact. Covered on MSNBC and in major newspapers, including USA Today and the New York Post, staging has proven itself to be a useful tool to home sellers.

Does It Work?

Home sellers have reported reduced sales times, shorter negotiation times, higher selling prices and other wonderful benefits after using staging techniques. While there is no way to track or gauge the direct effect of staging on price, sales cycle or negotiations, most sellers would testify that - in their opinions - staging made a positive difference.

The Process of Staging Real Estate

The process of staging a home can be as simple or complex as you like, depending on how much time and money you choose to put into it. In most cases, a professional would come to your home, conduct an evaluation and offer a proposal that details what they want to do, their fees and the estimated costs of any materials needed for the staging. To my knowledge, there are no real estate staging companies in Huntsville, Alabama. However, if you live in this area or other states that are currently without access to professional home stagers, here are a few tips you can use to stage your own home.

1. De-clutter! Those stacks of paper on your kitchen counter have to go. And the collection of muddy shoes by the back door? Clean them and put them away. The dish drainer by your kitchen sink? Use it and then store it in a cabinet or closet. Anything that contributes to clutter should be stored, including overflowing magazine racks, piles of weights and exercise videos on the floor, stacks of bills on your desk and so forth.

2. Leave More Open Space - Houses that look cramped and crowded seem much smaller than they really are. You want your buyer to feel as though s/he is getting a lot for her/his money. So thin out bookshelves that are cram-packed with books, make clear paths throughout the flow of the house removing obstacles, including ottomans, coffee tables, rarely used furniture, etc., if necessary.

3. Add Warmth - Even though the buyers will bring their own furniture, they still depend on your home setting to give them a “feel” for the house. Make your home more welcoming by setting out a small plant on the kitchen counter, baking cookies and leaving them for the prospects to enjoy (or buying them and warming them slightly in the microwave until the smell floats through your house) or placing a serving tray with a magazine and a bud vase at the foot of your bed. If you have matching linens and comforter, give yourself turndown service and add a few throw pillows, just the way five-star hotels do.

4. Adjust Lighting - While ambiance is nice, prospective buyers need to see your house. Open curtains and blinds and then remove obstacles from windows that would otherwise block natural light. Turn on all the lights in your house. If light bulbs are burned out, replace them.

By taking a few easy steps, you can turn your home into a showplace that buyers will flock to!

Mike Manosky has over 15-years experience serving the needs of those who wish to buy Huntsville real estate. If you're thinking of moving to Huntsville, real estate listings that match your criteria can be sent to you immediately. Contact Mike today to get started. http://www.movetohuntsville.com. © 2007, All Rights Reserved