Staging Tips

Published 04/26/2007 by OKMAR to REALTORS®

Home staging has become a hot industry and can bring higher offers in a shorter amount of time. With TV shows and magazine articles offering quick and easy improvement tips, and a number of new services that rearrange rooms to highlight selling features and loan furniture to redecorate for an open house; home staging is becoming an important tool in moving a property. Some realtors are taking it to the extreme by hiring actors who pose as happy families to make the home look more inviting during an open house. What should you recommend to your sellers?

Some conversations about clutter and cleanliness with homeowners can be a little awkward. Bringing in reinforcements, in the form of a professional stager, can relieve that discomfort and suggest improvements that can bring higher offers.

While the price of a professional stager, anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand, can seem like a large upfront expense, the return on investment is huge. In 2006, StagedHomes.com looked at the sales history of 200 properties staged by its members. Homes listed for sale prior to staging sat on the market for an average of four and a half months and sold within just over a week afterward. Homes listed for sale after staging sold within 32 to 42 days. In either case, the homes sold for an average of $26,000 more than expected.

Also, consider costs of a slow sale: carrying costs, reductions in asking prices and frustrated buyers and it’s easy to justify the cost of staging services. According to a poll by Home Staging Resource, real estate agents across the nation reported an average return of 769% and 594% on “lighten & brighten” improvements and “clean and de-clutter,” respectively.

Here are some of the most recommended tips from staging pros to help you and your clients see the biggest return on investment:

Less is more. Encourage the sellers to start organizing and packing to reduce the clutter before the home is placed on the market. Clearing

1. knickknacks and reducing the number of family pictures can help prospective buyers envision their own personal effects in the space.
2. “Float” the furniture. Instead of hugging the walls, move furniture to the center of the room to create more intimate conversation settings.
3. Smell. Of the five senses, smell can trigger emotions and create the most lasting memories. Freshly-baked cookies will take potential buyers back to the fond memories of their childhood and will evoke a sense of comfort.
4. Take out the animals. Everyone loves their pet; they just don’t love other people’s pets. Have your seller find a doggie sitter during open houses and showings and make sure to stash pet supplies and toys.
5. First Impressions. First impressions are everything so make sure the house has maximum curb appeal. It’s important to see an attractive, clean, well-lighted entrance. A neat lawn, well-maintained flower beds, clean driveway and fresh paint are also key to a positive first impression.
6. Color Overload. You’ll do your seller no favors by pretending not to notice the magenta walls in her daughter’s room. A $20 can of paint and tactful conversation can make the difference between a showing and an offer.