In a world of 10 seconds analysis, when dating has become a 15 minute interview, and when news is given in 10 minutes bytes, home buying has become the quintessential 2 second size- up. Even before getting out of a car, a potential buyer is already sizing up the neighborhood and the outside condition of your home. This initial reaction can and does make the difference between a quick sale and one that languishes on the competitive market.

What can you do when getting your home ready to sell? According to Karen Cage, a Realtor with Fuller, Towne & Country West, “To gain the advantage the home must be priced right and look superior to the competition. Your home needs to be in showcase condition with all the architectural features shown to the best advantage.” For that reason alone, Karen utilizes staging services as an indispensable tool in her marketing program for sellers.

A staged home sells for a higher price and more quickly than a home which has not been merchandised to sell. A survey of 2,772 properties sold between March 1999 and September 1999 in eight cites in California confirmed that homes which were staged sold much more quickly and for a higher asking price than one which were not.

What is Home Staging? Home staging is a unique “designed to sell” technique using furnishings, artwork, and accessories to create a visual experience and a feeling of emotional warmth that will appeal to the widest range of people.  Prospective buyers only know what they see, not how “it’s going to be”. Setting the “scene” is even more critical in marketing properties. People imagine living in your home. They want a fresh start, a clean slate, and they don’t want to see your clutter!

Any house, regardless of price or location will show better when staged.  Besides the obvious deep cleaning and de-cluttering, the staging process involves moving and/or removing furniture and furnishings...less is more. One secret to success is “neutralizing” or stashing away personal items. Your wall of family photographs will not encourage the buyers to visualize their wall of photographs or artwork.  If the furniture is in disrepair, the buyer will think “if the sellers don’t take care of their furniture, what condition is the rest of the house in?”

Try to look at your home though the buyers’ eyes. Try looking at it as if you’ve never seen it before. Walk across the street, and access your homes curb appeal. Then find a professional stager. Your home is your biggest asset; why not get the most out of it!