Statistics show that well-staged properties sell at least 50% faster and for as much as 20% more than un-staged properties. Why is that? Because buyers purchase based on emotion – they may justify it with rationale…right number of bedrooms, good neighborhood, etc, but they will flock to the property with the most emotional appeal.  Real estate staging is all about showing off the best possibilities of the property for sale and creating the emotional appeal necessary for the best market response.

We have staged many properties over the years, and invariably, the response from the homeowner is

 “it looks so much better, I wish we had done this years ago!”

Whether you are planning to sell your home in the next few months or the next 5 years, now is the time to start getting it ready so you can enjoy it AND have it ready to list when the time comes. There are some things that can be done ahead and some that should be revisited closer to listing. THIS post from last year contains 8 easy to implement staging tips that are useful if you are planning to list soon.

Things that can be done well in advance

Decluttering 

EVERY real estate agent will tell you the first thing to do is edit your possessions. This is no small task, so start early.  Get a friend or professional to help you – a fresh set of eyes will see what you automatically overlook because of familiarity.  OR snap cell phone pictures around your house and study them…clutter is always more obvious in pictures!

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

Cabinets or hardware, tile, countertops, and flooring can all be done early so you have time to enjoy your improvements, but selections must be made for broad market appeal, not personal preference…this is not the time to indulge in that pricey bright blue granite that you just looooove – save that for your ‘forever’ home.  For the best return on your investment, consult with a professional to be sure that the upgrades you are considering are appropriate for the market for your house.

Replacing Lighting and Faucets

Light fixtures are an easy upgrade.  If your dining room is still sporting a fixture with smoked beveled glass and cheap lacquered brass, and the bathrooms have the builder strip of Hollywood bulbs over the mirrors, it’s time to fix that (THIS post has some lighting tips on making the right choices). Ditto faucets that have those plastic ‘cut crystal’ knobs …those should go, along with any that have a worn or pitted finish, but choose decent quality from a plumbing supply house – the same brands at the big box stores are cheaper because they have plastic parts. A cheap faucet is not a bargain if you have to replace it again before you list.

Things that should be done closer to listing

Painting

Not that you can’t paint in advance and just touch up, but a freshly painted house always gives the impression of a well cared for property.

Refinishing floors/replacing carpet

These are things that get worn over the years and are best done (or at least cleaned or touched up) right before listing to look fresh.

Deep Cleaning

A house that looks and smells clean is appealing.  Buyers will look with abandon in all the places guests would not.  They will open cabinets, closets, and appliances.  Make sure they don’t see anything scary.

Styling

While styling can be done at any time to make your house more beautiful for you to enjoy (we offer a Room Refresh service for just this purpose!), it is especially important to style for great looking listing photos and showings.  Well-styled shelves and mantels show off those features in your home.  Plump pillows and coordinated bedding, accent pillows and cozy throws all create a feeling of comfort and ease. Fresh fluffy towels (that you don’t use until AFTER the sale) give an impression of luxury.

 A home is both a financial and an emotional investment so the goal of staging is to elicit a positive emotional response from as many potential buyers as possible. 

 We offer the following professional services to help you get the best return on your investment

Staging consultations with a comprehensive report including

• Editing/decluttering recommendations

• Paint color selections, if needed

• Price-appropriate update recommendations including wall and floor finishes, kitchens, and baths

• Layouts for furniture re-arrangement/placement as needed

Styling services to prepare your home for the photo shoot and showings including

• Furniture arrangement that creates a story to attract the most buyers

• Accessory placement to enhance your home’s best features and elicit a positive emotional response

 We also offer rental services/purchasing services as needed.

Here is a short video with some before and after pictures of a few staging transformations

 Here is what one broker said about a JRL staging:

“Thanks so much for the opportunity to show your new listing... Kudos to the stager who did a fabulous job. It shows beautifully! My client stepped in the front door and fell in love. Each room was another pleasant surprise.”

This property had multiple offers at the first open house and sold for over asking price.

Whether you do it yourself with professional advice or hire the help of experts to do it for you, staging is an essential part of preparing your home for sale.

XO,

Janet