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CONNECTION
I really want to continue the conversation about how and why it’s important to Stage your Home before listing.
There is an emotional response from buyers when they connect with a property, and that’s what sellers are looking for.
Staging is also teamwork! The Realtor, Seller and Stager all want the same outcomes, so they are all working together.
Buyer’s are investing- A LOT!!
- They want to see how their money is being spent, and what it is getting them?
- How does this house compare to the market?
- And is it priced properly?
- How much work do they have to do? (And mental calculations are happening instantaneously…) Stagers help buyers connect to the home.
Photo: Melissa Hardwick Design
2. FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Staging a home helps sellers show off the homes’ assets. There may be a misconception that in doing this, staging is hiding or covering up things.
But the truth is, by showcasing the home in its best light, from the very first impression, a buyer is less likely to notice and will often overlook flaws. (* Obviously not major structural, or foundational etc.).
Every house and home has flaws. What staging does is to bring out a home’s best qualities. And, as a first impression is a lasting impression it is important to make it shine! 🙂
Photo: Melissa Hardwick Design
3. LIFESTYLE
Staging the home appeals to the vast majority of buyers who really just want to visualize the space and suggested lifestyle, see what is possible in the space and view the property in its best light.
Staging helps those people that are not handy or not visual. It also educates buyers to see what can be done with the space.
Staging warms up a space, and creates a “this is where I want to be” vibe. Staging shows that the Sellers have taken the time to prepare the home, and it indicates that maintenance and care has gone into it, and this helps ease the buyer’s mind for a smooth transition.
Photo: Melissa Hardwick Design
4. SPACE PLANNING
Staging equips the buyer with tools in space planning. It is important for a home to deliver on its promise of providing key areas for conversation zones and entertainment areas which are prerequisites.
Walking into an unstaged home that does not have an allocated living room area with random furniture placement will make the space feel disjointed and uninviting.
The end result with staged space planning, will create easy flow and cohesion, and will deliver on its promise of function and places to gather and entertain.
Image: Melissa Hardwick
https://melissahardwick.com/the-science-of-home-staging/
Easy & Essential Home Staging Tips
Open the Room:
- Clean
- Declutter
- Organize
- Store
- Deodorize * Important *
- Display
- Neutralize
Image: Melissa Hardwick Design
Every Room should have:
- Clean surfaces
- Clean windows
- Clean fixtures & finishes
- Nothing fake, faux or freaky
- Lots of light – natural, task & reflective
Image: Melissa Hardwick Design
Inve$t where needed- kitchens & bathrooms give back
- check towel rails
- replace light bulbs, clean shades
- Remove all garbage, residue, grease and mold from all areas
- Replace hardware if outdated
- Clean and fresh linens are a must- nothing old and dingy
- Get rid of counter clutter
- Remove all personal items
Image: Melissa Hardwick Design
Resist any temptation to:
- Over Accessorize
- Theme a room or space
- Cover up with throws or pillows
- Use fake props like boxes or shoes etc.
- Use aromas from misters, essential oils, baked goods, scented candles, or plug ins
**Paint what you can, because a little base foundation goes a long way. 🙂 Keep the colour palette current and check with what is selling quickly.
It never hurts to know your competition! And when you’re feeling the overwhelm, or you really don’t want to go it alone, it’s also a great time to hire a professional Home Stager! Like me 🙂
