subject: Clean Isn't Enough In Home Selling [print this page] If you're trying to sell your home in today's market, leaving it clean for a prospective buyer's visit may not be enough.
A new service is developing in staging homes, with courses designed to certify individuals in professional home staging. This is a growing profession that is now offered through many real estate agencies who use this service to spruce up homes before a sale.
Is staging your home the right choice for you? Statistics say that staged homes sell in half the amount of time and for more money.
Anyone can get their home staged, not just ones with money to spend. Unconvinced that it can make a difference? You can also go online to tour properties. View empty properties that have been taken back by the bank or homes that have been abandoned by their owners. Toys lying around and random items on the floor can be distracting and take away from the home.
If you find a staged home - look for model homes or condominiums as professional developers recognize the value of the service, you can quickly see the difference. The rooms will be furnished enough to let you know their potential and may have such supporting decor as fresh flowers, table settings, etc. Even if you have different plans for the house, it will allow you to visualize life there.
Tackling the job yourself can be very hard. Because we live with our homes every day, we often accept the flaws that other people would notice. They become such a part of our lives that making the changes that will help it appeal to other people could be a struggle.
A small investment in a consultation with a professional home staging firm may convince you that the service is worth every dollar. They will tour the home and point out areas in need of improvement.
If you would like to have your home staged, but your agent has not suggested it, you should mention it to them. A professional contract can make a home stager available to you.
A home stager might suggest adding some shrubbery. Other changes that can impact a sale can be made just before photo are taken for the website or flyers that will help sell the home. This includes setting up flower arrangements or removing any personal items such as photos or awards from the open shelves. Major projects that need to be done anyway and will take some time, such as decluttering, should be done ahead of time. In the end the effort will be worth it when you have sold your home.
