The Importance of Staging an Older Home

It is surprising, even with all the information out there on how much easier it is to sell a decently staged house, that some sellers are still resistant to the idea. Every house, particularly older homes, should be staged before pictures are taken or any showing takes place. Older houses have to compete with newer homes that, due to style changes, may need far less in the way of renovations or upgrades. Staging can make these homes look a lot more desirable than they would otherwise.

First of all, staging involves de-cluttering both the inside and outside of your home. Many people living in older homes have been in residence for a long time. Every year that you live in a house makes for more stuff that you've brought in, adding to the clutter that you already had. One of the key ideas in home staging is that it helps a prospective buyer actually see what your house looks like because you've removed the clutter.

Another important aspect of home staging that is vitally important when you're trying to sell an older house is repainting and wallpaper removal. Many older homes have outdated wallpaper or paint colours; these outdated walls will just accentuate how much work a home buyer will need to do if they buy your house. If you can repaint the walls and remove any horrible 1970s wallpaper, your house won't scream out "fix me" to a buyer.

If you have matching furniture to go with your older home, you have a couple of options. If your home is 1970s era or before, you can likely get away with staging in a retro chic. Many of the elements of '70s decorating are back in fashion now, the thing to understand is that doesn't apply across the board to everything from the age of disco. If your living room needs its orange carpeting to be raked on a daily basis, sports magic mushroom-inspired flocked wallpaper, and has a beach ball sized disco ball hanging in it, then you likely are going to need some updating.

Take a look at some design websites to see what bits of kitsch are acceptable and which should just be burned ... I mean disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. If you don't have furniture that is neutral enough to allow the character of your home to shine through, then consider renting some and putting your own in storage.

Staging allows a prospective buyer to see what kind of potential your house has by letting them see through your things so that they can envision themselves living in your house. If your home is full of clutter and years worth of treasures then a buyer can't see themselves in your space. If your house is tragically out-dated, they likely won't be able to see themselves in your space either. Give your home sale the best chance and stage your home; hire a professional stager if you need assistance.

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