Rockland Home Staging

Myth # 5 BUSTED - Homeowners can not stage a home themselves.

I might also have entitled this: Stager heal thyself.

WARING: THE PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG MAY CONTAIN IMAGES THAT WILL BE OFFENSIVE TO THOSE WITH STYLE AND GOOD TASTE.

It is difficult, if not impossible, for homeowners to view their home objectively.  It is easy for people to overlook, downplay, or blatantly ignore flaws in their own home.  When we moved into our new homes we have grand visions of repainting, repairing holes, fixing cracks and updating the light fixtures but as time goes on and we do not have time to get to the To-Do list.  The list take the back burner to our life.  The longer that crack in the tile or the weird paint color has been there, the less we notice it.  And in the grand scheme of life it doesn't really matter.  As a life rule you should not be a slave to your home. 

But, all this changes when you go to sell your house.  Suddenly, a group of total strangers are parading through your house commenting on every imperfection.  Homeowners may be tempted to ignore their complaints but the end result will be loss of income when the final deal is made. 

Whenever I stage a property I have the owner put on ‘Buyers Eyes' then do a walk through the home with me.  Once I have explained that we are looking at the house from the perspective of a critical buyer, the homeowner is made aware of the ways they can improve the property and increase sales potential. 

One way I make this easier for buyers to swallow is the way I refer to the home.  When I first meet them - I compliment the home.  Then we take a tour of the house.  Finally we discuss ways to improve the property.  I think this subtle change in rhetoric helps people make the mental shift that will enable them to view the property objectively.

OK I'm going to put myself out there to illustrate how absolutely difficult it is to stage your own home. Check out these pictures of my home.  (We have been there for almost 6 years and are not considering selling).  After doing this blog I really have to practice what I preach and make the to-do list more of a priority.

Upstairs Hallway                    Basement                         Fridge

Home staging is more than just decluttering.   Anyone can take everything off the kitchen counter or strip a bathroom so there is nothing in it - so why should people hire someone to do it for them?  Professional home stagers are trained to; first get rid of the clutter, then add decorative elements and / or emotional connection points that will appeal to a broad range of home buyers.  Just cutting the clutter is not enough.  You do not want the room to end up looking stark.  Every room should be warm and inviting, beautifully decorated and stylishly current.  Homes that have been staged have IT.  It is just like Stewart Potter said, "I'm not sure how to define it, but I know it when I see it!"

I figured the best way to illustrate IT is with pictures.

Before- This kitchen looks pretty good.  It is not really cluttered although it lacks style and pizazz.

After - Although there are almost exactly the same amount of items on the kitchen counters this kitchen is warm and inviting.

This master bath has been decluttered but it is not inviting.

After - Looks relaxing and inviting. Again there are actually more items in this space than in the before but they are designed to appeal to prospective buyers.

OK - I hope that helps to clarify myth #6.  There is more to home staging than just decluttering a space.

If anyone has B&A's they would like to share I'd love to see them. 

 Top 10 Myths about Home Staging

10         Most buyers can see beyond the home's décor without staging.

9           Home stagers are in competition with realtors.

8           After staging your home you should raise the list price.

7          Some homes are just too small or old to stage.

6           Home staging just means removing the clutter.

5          Homeowners can just stage their homes themselves.

4          Suggesting a home stager insults the homeowner by implying they have bad taste.

3          Home Staging is a fad and probably won't be around this time next year.

2.          Home stagers can transform any property for under $2000.

1.         All you have to do to stage your home is bake cookies before an open house. (my favorite)

The facts about home staging are that home stagers are part of the Real Estate team.  They are trained professionals that work with the realtor and homeowner to accomplish a faster more profitable sale.  Regardless of price or location, all homes can benefit from professional home staging. Studies have shown that on average professionally staged homes sell 50% faster, and for up to 10% more.  Consider the cost of staging versus the lost revenue of a price reduction.  Home Staging is one of the few relationships that is truly WIN WIN WIN.

Have a myth you'd like to add to the list? Please share it here.

Check back soon to read the top ten reasons to stage your home.

I am always looking for new ways to market my business. I've heard that people have gotten business from advertising via magnetic signs on their cars so I decided to try it for myself.  Home staging is still a relatively new term here so I figured maybe driving around with the sign will spark some discussion on home staging.  

I finally got around to ordering Magnetic Car Signs for my vehicle.  I tried a few different companies, both local and online.  I found some of the software very difficult to work with.  I was not able to upload my Logo on any of the sites.  I think the file may have been too large. 

Finally I found Build A Sign.  Their software was pretty easy to use and very easy to change around.  I was able to play with the colors and fonts.  I tried to keep it simple so it would be easy to read when I'm on the road. 

http://www.buildasign.com/

Let me know what you guys think.  If you have any creative ways to market your business I'd love to hear about them.