Sell Faster For More Money. It’s a fact today that staged homes sell more quickly and for more money than un-staged ones. Today’s home buyers are increasingly particular and their expectations are higher than in past. Busier and faster paced lives leave them with less time to do “fix ups” or “spruce ups”, and as a result they generally prefer turnkey houses.
Overcome Your Emotions. The challenge for many home sellers, in particular those who have been in a home for decades, is overcoming the emotional connection to the home. Years ago you bought a house and turned it into a home. Today when selling a home you must turn back into a house again. Simply put, the way we live in our homes is not the same as when we are selling them. The house becomes a ‘product’ when it is listed for sale.
Basic Principles of Staging. Overall there are eight components in staging a home for sale in today’s competitive real estate market. A good REALTOR® will recommend a home stager several months in advance of putting the house on the market. This is not something a home seller needs to go alone.
- Clean. Home buyers prefer a clean house that has been kept in good repair. Sticky windows, squeaky hinges, running toilets, dripping faucets all need attention.
- Let There Be Light. Although environmental light bulbs can be a better green choice, they do not cast the bright light that a 100W incandescent bulb will. Replace all bulbs and as a result rooms will look brighter and larger.
- De-personalize. Home buyers are looking to buy a house that fits their needs, lifestyle and personality so you should not distract them with yours. Personal photos, religious items, and unique art should be removed.
- Declutter. Review each room and decide what to store, sell, donate or throw out. Decluttering is the one of the most important components to the staging process.
- Inspect. Bring a home inspector in prior to listing, and fix problems before a home buyer’s inspector finds them. The cost of an inspection runs between $250 and $500 depending on the size of the home, but can save thousands at the negotiating table.
- Neutralize. Review the décor and think “beige” thoughts. This applies to walls, carpets, flooring and counters. Consider a fresh neutral coat of paint and replacing worn carpets.
- Modernize. While renovating is not generally the best use of money when selling, small changes can reap higher sale prices. Consider replacing light fixtures, faucets, mirrors, doorknobs. For a modest budget an older home can be sufficiently updated in this manner.
- Curb Appeal. The yard must be tidy and well maintained, and the front doorway clean and welcoming. Replacing exterior light fixtures, the house number, doorbell, and mailbox can update a house instantly.
Taking the time and effort to stage a home creates a blanker canvas for a buyer to start painting the picture of their own lives and make your “HOUSE” their “HOME” and turn “FOR SALE” into “SOLD”.
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Sherri Moro, B.A., ABR*, SRES**, is an annually award winning Halton area REALTOR® with Sutton Group Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage. For over ten years, her very successful consultative approach and innovative strategies have provided preferential client service in both the marketing and purchase of Halton area residential properties. Sherri is also a licensed Mortgage Agent with RBL Capital Inc. #10583 and can assist you with all your borrowing and refinancing needs. Visit her at www.OakvilleDreamHomes.com . *Accredited Buyer Representative, **Specially Designated to Serve the 50+ Market.
