Most people think that home staging is only for empty homes. Home staging is usually part of the process on TV shows that showcase flipping homes for profit, and it’s easy to see how staging an empty home helps it sell quickly. However, many homeowners getting ready to sell their homes overlook staging. After all, if the home is already furnished, why would it be beneficial to stage it? Here are a few reasons why you should consider staging your occupied home.
1. You most likely need to remove clutter.
In occupied homes, my job as a stager is to create space. The only way to do this is to remove items from the home. I often suggest that homeowners remove items from counters and clothing from closets. This might sound like an inconvenience, but it actually helps the homeowner get organized and prepare for moving day. One tip is to only allow three items on your kitchen counter. If there’s not enough room in your cabinets to store excess items, pack up items that you don’t use often. You’ll need these things packed for your impending move anyway.
2. It’s important that the central living areas–the kitchen, family room and master bedroom–have functional layouts.
Oftentimes, it’s very difficult for sellers to see the problems with the layout in the home; after all, sellers are living in the space and it works for them. But the focus needs to be on potential buyers rather than the current occupants. When I’m hired to stage an occupied home, I focus on the central living areas to maximize their potential to home buyers, as well as awkward or small spaces that need to be defined. I move furniture to ensure maximum function and movement throughout the space. I remove furniture that visually crowds the space. I suggest paint colors that are neutral and appealing to a large number of people.
3. It’s crucial to start viewing the home as a product that’s for sale.
When I’m hired for home staging services, one of my most important roles is to represent the potential home buyer. The goal of home staging is to appeal to the largest number of people possible and many times, sellers are hesitant on making changes to the home. They figure that they’re moving and don’t want to put any money into the home. However, ignoring your potential buyers can end up costing money in the long run. Staged homes sell quicker than non-staged homes, and in real estate, time equals money. Houses that sit on the market for long periods of time typically sell for less than asking price. Furthermore, staged homes photograph much better than non-staged homes, and as we all know, most home buyers are using the Internet as their first look into a home. If your home doesn’t look good in photographs, it won’t attract foot traffic.
Here’s an example of one of our staged bedrooms. Notice that it’s simple and neutral.
Vanessa D Interiors is a member of the Real Estate Staging Association and offers various home staging services. We also receive trade discounts on storage facilities and paint that we’re happy to pass along to our clients. Happy selling!