Empty homes are difficult to sell because buyers cannot envision themselves in an empty space. In addition, this condo had a bad case of the blahs. We repainted using a warm color, removed the dated curtains and added a few accessories to help define the space and bring in more interest.
This room was very uncomfortable and lacked appeal simply because of the furniture arrangement. By placing the couch and rug on an angle facing the fireplace not only is the fireplace now the center of attention but the room "feels" more relaxing and cozy. To enhance the focal point, the fireplace, the mantle was cleared of the small objects and a large picture was placed to further command attention.
Staging is about more than cleaning and straightening a room. In this room just putting the clothes away would not have made much difference. By adding the twin night stands, lamps, pictures and new bedding, the bed is made a focal point that will definitely draw the potential buyer into the room. The symmetry provides a very calming atmosphere. Notice that there is no clutter to distract and pull your eye away like in the before photo. Your eye goes directly to the clothing in this photo and you never even look at the room. The lamps add atmosphere and light to brighten the room and the pictures and bedding provide interest and comfort.
Easy, simple changes make all the difference. The photo on the left has an unfinished and lack luster feel. Buyers would definitely think that there is nothing special about this room. The photo on the right with light, green plants for a pop of color and table setting sans table cloth added says "Wow! Great diningroom!"
The before photo shows lost value and unused real estate. The buyer would probably have no reaction at all to this space. The after picture shows the buyer exactly how he can use the area..."imagine having a cup of coffee here in the morning, or relaxing here after a hard day at work." Now the buyer sees value and the balcony becomes part of the real estate being sold...adding square footage in this simple way, adds dollars to the sellers bottom line.
This before and after almost needs no comments. It doesn't matter what the inside of the home looks like, this area is definitely a "deal killer." Through the buyers eye...."where do you start." The before yard presents an overwhelming feeling of frustration to the buyer and he will probably beat a path right out the front door. The after photo is very calming....a great final impression of the home.
This is the most dramatic change of all! First of all, buyers today hate wallpaper. The buyers that don't mind wallpaper certainly will find issue with this pattern and the overwhelming darkness it produces. The seller removed the wallpaper and painted a light color to brighten the room. Secondly, the tub....sooo outdated, dark and just plain ugly! The tub was not replaced, it was simply re-surfaced. Doesn't it look great?! Pops of color were added using fresh flowers and plants and towels.
Can you see how the before bathroom would be a complete turnoff to the potential buyer? The after, is no neutralized that it passes the buyers scrutiny.
Sometimes, when trying to sell your home, staging can be a little inconvenient for the family. In the before photo here, the room is arranged for TV viewing. And the fireplace which really commands attention does so in a negative way. In the after photo, the fireplace is lightened up and cleaned and a mantle is added to confirm...yes, it is the focal point! What a beautiful vinette the mantle makes with the accessories. If the chairs had been positioned on either side of the couch this focal point would have been lost. So watching TV in this room now has limited seating, certainly an inconveniece for the family but surely adding $$$ to the sellers bottom line and taking days, maybe weeks off the selling period. This room was painted a warm color. Pops of color were added with the fresh flowers, apples, pillows an accent rug and other accessories.
In the before photo the room is so busy that the eye has no place to rest. You find that your eyes keep going in circles around the room...and not really seeing the room. In the after photo not only has the office clutter been removed but also some of the wall art and most of the items on the book shelf. Now your eye goes to the window and the artfully hung new wall arrangement. You appreciate the architectural features...the window, the shelving and the judges paneling. When I am showing a home like the first photo, my work is cut out for me!
Staging is a simple concept. It changes your rooms from living space to show case. It is about removing your personal taste and applying a more generic look. This allows the buyer few distractions and allows him/her to assess the space and not the things. It is about showcasing the assets of your home...fireplace, special windows, architectural details to name a few...so they speak loud and clear! It is about getting you, the seller, the highest return on your investment in a shorter amount of time on the market. Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for more money. Wouldn't you prefer that?