Set the Stage to Make the Sale

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You have the view, the neighbourhood, the landscaping. When it comes to selling your home, you have a great start. What’s next? Professional real estate staging can make the difference between, "Great location but...” and “I can’t wait to move in!”

A house on the market is a commodity meant to appeal to the broadest group of potential buyers. For you, it has to sell quickly and for the right price.

Make a Great First Impression

From the curb to the carpet, an irresistible house appears well loved and well cared for. It has no chips, no cracks, and no dripping taps. Little problems are like clues that suggest greater home repair mysteries.

When faced with potential expensive large repairs or renovations, most of today’s buyers will typically cut and run. Well maintained gardens, home exteriors and interiors invite those driving by to come right in and stay awhile.

Time spent on minor imperfections saves time on the market.

Get the “You” Out

The hard truth about selling a home is that buyers are not at all interested in the seller's decorating style. The wall of family photographs, art collection, antique spinning wheel, and children’s awards are all distractions. They need to imagine themselves living in the house that you are selling.

Time to depersonalize and declutter!

Carefully, take down and pack away the family portraits, knick-knacks, and collections. Clear off the counters. Clean out the closets. Buyers want to see your house as their new home.

These are all tough decisions. Bringing in a stager provides the objectivity necessary to sell a home.

Highlight the Special Features

With the distractions stored away, a stager can spark the imaginations of your buyers.

Stagers lead the eye to the best selling features of the house. We let people notice the spaciousness, the fireplace, the view, and the back garden. We do this by arranging minimal furnishings, hanging subtle and complimentary art, and adding carefully selected accessories.

 

Think of the deck. Strategically place two Adirondack chairs, a small table and a couple of wine glasses. That deck becomes the stage for someone’s sunlit afternoon or intimate evening.

Well-placed furniture lights the path to transform rooms into lifestyles.

Show it Right

Consider fresh-cut flowers, soft music, good lighting, freshly brewed coffee, and even a platter of fresh baked cookies. Your guests (buyers) will feel warm, comfortable, and welcome to spend lots of time enjoying their visit.

An effective showing starts before anyone sets foot inside. Many buyers consult online listings first. Use professional real estate photographers to take full advantage of this ‘wow’ opportunity.

Final touches make a world of difference.

Staging starts at $250 for a detailed consultation. Full services range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size and scope of the staging. Is it worth the expense?

Consider the alternative. Some long-term listings drop their asking price by at least $20,000. Sell faster and for more with a professional stager on your team.
Sharon Wood supports Havens for Healing, a Canadian ReDesigners Association partnership with Ovarian Cancer Canada. To learn more about staging, redesign, or Havens for Healing, contact Sharon Wood at sharon@sharonwood.ca or visit her website at www.sharonwood.ca.