Sometimes Sellers Need to Rearrange Their Decor
April 30, 2009
Perhaps one of the pitfalls of a real estate market that has been largely price driven is that agents and sellers become somewhat lax in take a hard look at a property's first impression.
When the bulk of sales are foreclosures which characteristically are less than neat and clean, sellers become less open to suggestions about "staging" their homes. However, "staging" in its broadest sense may be the best way to attract the attention of serious buyers and to obtain the highest possible price.
Rooms overcrowded with furniture, walls covered in wallpaper and kitchens with old cupboards and appliances are all negatives for buyers. So what is a seller to do?
If the house is already on the market and there is little or no activity or lots of "hits" from viewers on the Internet, but no appointments to show, the seller should take a look at what the buyers are seeing. What is seen in a photo may give a different impression than actually walking through the home. I tested this theory by taking some pictures of my guest bedroom that has wonderful bright floral draperies and a matching bedspread. It was a revelation! I knew immediately that the spread and drapes would have to go, should I ever put my house on the market. This makeover would cost almost nothing and would neutralize the room.
If a room is too neutral, purchasing some bright pillows can often give it more appeal. If a carpet is very worn or very dated (shag, for instances) pulling it up if there are hardwood floors under it can be inexpensive. New carpeting may cost, but again may make a sale occur. Carpet allowances just do not create the same ambiance. Wallpapers almost always should be removed and walls painted a neutral color. Right at the moment taupe is popular, but some of the slightly off-whites are also good backgrounds for staging a room.
With the help of a real estate agent or a professional stager, minor changes costing less than $1,000 can increase the home's appeal and attract buyers to make offers.
A seller who has enjoyed the home and finds it comfortable and appealing needs to look at the home through the eyes of buyers who may have different concepts of comfortable and appealing.
Perhaps one of the pitfalls of a real estate market that has been largely price driven is that agents and sellers become somewhat lax in take a hard look at a property's first impression.
When the bulk of sales are foreclosures which characteristically are less than neat and clean, sellers become less open to suggestions about "staging" their homes. However, "staging" in its broadest sense may be the best way to attract the attention of serious buyers and to obtain the highest possible price.
Rooms overcrowded with furniture, walls covered in wallpaper and kitchens with old cupboards and appliances are all negatives for buyers. So what is a seller to do?
If the house is already on the market and there is little or no activity or lots of "hits" from viewers on the Internet, but no appointments to show, the seller should take a look at what the buyers are seeing. What is seen in a photo may give a different impression than actually walking through the home. I tested this theory by taking some pictures of my guest bedroom that has wonderful bright floral draperies and a matching bedspread. It was a revelation! I knew immediately that the spread and drapes would have to go, should I ever put my house on the market. This makeover would cost almost nothing and would neutralize the room.
If a room is too neutral, purchasing some bright pillows can often give it more appeal. If a carpet is very worn or very dated (shag, for instances) pulling it up if there are hardwood floors under it can be inexpensive. New carpeting may cost, but again may make a sale occur. Carpet allowances just do not create the same ambiance. Wallpapers almost always should be removed and walls painted a neutral color. Right at the moment taupe is popular, but some of the slightly off-whites are also good backgrounds for staging a room.
With the help of a real estate agent or a professional stager, minor changes costing less than $1,000 can increase the home's appeal and attract buyers to make offers.
A seller who has enjoyed the home and finds it comfortable and appealing needs to look at the home through the eyes of buyers who may have different concepts of comfortable and appealing.
posted by shirley harry at 8:39 AM
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