CASE #1 MY HOUSE ALREADY LOOKS GOOD!
I recently put my home on the market (yes, this is my story), thinking that MY home would sell very quickly given its location, view, architecture and well appointed interiors. Everyone LOVED my home! Even though I was getting good showings in a bleak market, I thought I could get by with those small touches that we as stagers KNOW are definite "no no's". Emotionally, I had not set the stage to sell. So, I earnestly applied ALL of my staging and redesign knowledge to my home. Believe it or not, I had a contract within a month. Given that the home was a very large home with a hefty price tage, I knew statistically it could potentially have a long shelf life... STAGING WORKS!
CASE #2 I'M MOVING...WHY SHOULD I DO ANYTHING TO MY HOME?
Let's suppose you were to sell your car... wouldn't you at the very LEAST take it by the carwash, vacuum the dirt and dropped crumbs from the crevices, and make sure all your personal items have been removed from its interior? It is common knowledge and practice to thoroughly detail a car before presenting it for purchase. Yet, most sellers don't necessarily follow the same rules when selling their home, assuming potetnial buyers will be able to overlook abundant clutter, unflattering colors, and confusing spaces. They won't. According to Barb Schwarz, founder of StagedHomes.com, "buyers only know what they see, not the way it's going to be!"
CASE #3 I DON'T THINK I CAN AFFORD TO STAGE MY HOME...
When Real Estate agents call me BEFORE listing a home, I know the seller has a significant advantage over most of the competition. If you don't believe me, take some time to see what's out there! That's why I tell my clients "staged homes usually sell faster and for more money". When buyers (or builders) decide to stage as a last resort, they often scratch their heads in wonder... why didn't I do that before? Do it BEFORE that first price reduction! I assure you that most will agree it's well worth the investment.
CASE #4 CLUTTER HERE, CLUTTER THERE, CLUTTER EVERYWHERE.....
According to current statistics from Staged Homes.com, staging brings an average of 169% return on investment. As an Accredited Staging Professional and member of the International Associateion of Home Staging Professionals, my training allows me to see through all of the clutter and problematic ares and outline a "game plan" that gives sellers clear direction to overcome selling obstacles.
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