What is Home Staging?

• Home staging is anything that will help the home seller make a home more look more attractive and appealing to potential buyers.
• Professional stagers typically start off with an in-home consultation. The price will depend on the condition and size of the home, and will also take the scope of work into account.
• Home stagers will stage with furniture and accessories found in the home or can bring in furniture, artwork and accessories to make a house look its best while on the market.
• When sellers want to use their own furnishings, the home stager will make certain recommendations that can enhance the spaces. Reducing clutter and opening up the rooms is vital to a successful listing.
• Some stagers offer contractor-consulting services. These include recommendations and solutions and pertain to choosing paints, tiles, carpets and any other project that needs attention. A good home stager will have a list of reputable resources, vendors and contractors that can work to get the house ready.
• Homeowners on a strict budget could opt to stage themselves. This do-it-yourself staging option still uses the services of the home stager on a consultation basis. You would use the professional stager to get a list of items to help make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
• Staging can take anything from a day to a few weeks, depending on the scope of work required. However, the final staging event is usually about a day when the home gets it “WOW” affect.

Staging Tips

• De-clutter: Clear all rooms of extra items that don’t belong nor adds to its décor.
• This includes pictures, piled-up mail and accessories. Children’s toys should be stored away.
• Light: Open windows and blinds (window treatments) to allow natural light to come into the room.
• Deodorize: Especially when there are pets in the house. Get rid of any pet odors or any other smells that could turn a potential buyer away.
• Neutralize: Go for the neutral colors when painting walls. While bolder colors often work well, these colors might not win over buyers.
• Accessorize: Without cluttering and over doing it, accessorize where you can with tasteful and well placed accessories. Fresh fruit in a bowl, a simple and attractive place setting at the table, new towels in the bathrooms and trendy pillows on sofas and chairs are great ways to make a room look more alive.