Staging and showing properties can make or break a real estate deal. It's not enough to just list a property and hope for the best. You need to create a positive impression on potential buyers and highlight the best features of the property. In this article, you'll learn how to stage and show properties like a pro with some simple tips and tricks.
Before you stage and show a property, you need to know who your target buyers are and what they are looking for. Different types of buyers have different preferences, needs, and expectations. For example, a young couple might value a modern kitchen and a spacious backyard, while a retired couple might prefer a cozy living room and a low-maintenance garden. Research your market and tailor your staging and showing accordingly.
When you add decor to a property, you aim to appeal to the widest buyer pool. You eliminate any pet paraphernalia, dead animals on the wall, religious materials, etc. You want the avg person to walk in and feel like they could live there. People don't attach to a vacant home. They attach to the feeling they have when they enter the home.
In my experience you definitely need to identify who you are marketing the area and house to. This can be easily done with the help of your agent. We like to help guide clients on how to declutter their house so it’s inviting to everyone. Anything that isn’t used on a daily basis should be removed. I like to say pack up photos, wall arts, kitchen appliances not in use and excess furniture. The house should look spacious and inviting all at the same time.
One of the most important steps in staging and showing a property is to declutter and depersonalize it. You want to make the property look clean, spacious, and neutral. Remove any excess furniture, personal items, photos, or knickknacks that might distract or deter buyers. You can also rent a storage unit or ask a friend to store some of your belongings temporarily. The goal is to make the property look like a blank canvas that buyers can imagine themselves living in.
Decluttering is a definite must to get the best price for your property, as a developer I can see past mess and clutter and have picked up some real bargains but I’ve been on block viewings with Joe Public walking out “call me when the clutter has been shifted” or “OMG look at the state of that sofa! Let’s go” Me: I’d like to make an offer :) Definitely move personal pictures too. And if Agent is doing the viewings unless you’re a brilliant sales person don’t be there! being followed around by owners means you cant ask awkward questions. A good agent will know the local schools how long it’s been on the market and what is needed to secure it… what ever you think expensive today will seem like a bargain in 10 years
Repeat after me: "Declutter, declutter, declutter..." Start packing! I thought you wanted to move. I can't say it enough. We love our things and our homes, but you're selling it so you have to make it attractive to the person who wants to live there now. Put the boxes in the garage and minimalize as much as you can.
While you don't want to overdo it with personal or quirky decorations, you do want to add some touches of style and warmth to the property. You can use some simple accessories, such as pillows, rugs, curtains, lamps, or plants, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can also use some color, texture, or pattern to add some contrast and interest to the rooms. However, avoid anything too bold, bright, or busy that might clash with the buyers' tastes.
Instead of quirky, we add elegance to the home. Elegance gives you the wow factor. Timeless pieces that look like you traveled the world is our goal. We eliminate so much quirk that we don't want to add it back in
Simplicity is perfection. If you have a difficult time figuring out decor, or a mood, just make it simple. A beautiful plant on a table can add life to a room. You have already decluttered (I hope) so you can also make your kitchen more attractive by putting away all the electronics, such as blenders, toasters, and electric pots. Your counters should be as bare as possible. Bathrooms can increase appeal with a couple of stylish hand towels and a lovely shower curtain. Cleanliness is key.
Another key aspect of staging and showing a property is to highlight the best features and benefits of the property. You want to draw attention to the unique or desirable aspects of the property, such as a fireplace, a balcony, a walk-in closet, or a view. You can use lighting, furniture placement, or focal points to emphasize these features and make them stand out. You can also use some descriptive words or phrases to point out these features and benefits to the buyers during the showing.
Finally, you want to set the mood and create a positive emotional connection with the buyers when you stage and show a property. You can use some subtle techniques, such as playing some soft music, lighting some candles, baking some cookies, or spraying some fresh scent, to appeal to the buyers' senses and make them feel comfortable and relaxed. You can also use some personal touches, such as a welcome note, a brochure, or a gift basket, to show your appreciation and professionalism.
Our mood is traveled. We don't add scents to a home because this can put people off. We do add colored water bottles of Chanel or Ralph Lauren to give the appearance of scent. Scents can really turn people out.
To the homeowner: When you have a showing, don't be present. You can go out shopping, to the park, or visit a neighbor. Buyers will be more comfortable when they can roam the property without eyes staring after them. They should be accompanied by a real estate agent, so your property should be safe. Leave all the lights on, and the AC running at a comfortable temperature (not too cold, not too hot).
A fresh small bouquet ?? of flowers can provide color and a light scent. Even some herbs or a plant never had a complaint about that.
Scale is the most important part of staging a home. How to determine lines and scale is what sets you apart. We search everywhere for the right size pieces. Our pieces fit the function of the house and not the other way around. SCALE.