Get your Asking Price – or More...
If you are thinking about putting your house on the market now and hope
to sell, move and get settled as quickly as possible - home owners take
note. The average buyer has little imagination when it comes to
projecting themselves into a resale home. Even though you spent
countless hours painting and decorating for yourselves it means little
to the young couple viewing your home. They may enjoy a cursory glance
at your novels and the cute family snapshots adorning the walls. They
may be awed by your china and crystal collection. But it will never feel
like their home. They won’t be able to get past your personal style. You
want them to feel at ease, welcomed and able to imagine themselves
living there.
Real estate agents know the importance of de-cluttering and
de-personalizing and they’ll be the first to tell you so if they list
your house on the market. Many of them use a redesigner (or home stager)
or can recommend one to review their listings. Redesigners enhance a
home’s appearance and create broad appeal, adjusting everything from
furniture layout to interior colours. In a competitive real estate
market, the small investment in these services has shown dramatic
payback both in terms of average selling times and more importantly
higher selling prices.
Most buyers will develop an opinion about a house within the first 60
seconds. Sometimes that opinion is formed by the appearance of the
contents of the house. If you have ever been inside a model home, you
have seen the impact of professional design. Redesigners create the same
feel using your existing furniture and accessories.
Redesign consultants can also assist you in preparing the house
yourself. Many will provide a written report or “to-do” list for you to
follow step by step. They offer an objective view by putting themselves
in the position of a buyer.
Redesigners will apply a portfolio of techniques to assess your home and
let you know what is standing in the way of making a great first
impression. Aside from all the little things, it’s important to redefine
your rooms. Make sure that the living room actually looks like a living
room. If you have kids, chances are they’ve taken over the entire house.
Toys and video games don’t make a great first impression. What about the
dining room? With hectic schedules and take out food, chances are you’ve
got a laptop, bills and homework piled up. Clear the table and just
pretend that fine dining actually takes place in the dining room. Have
you got a piece of trim missing or a crack in the wall that has been
there so long you don’t even see it anymore? You can bet a buyer will
see it right away.
Once the obvious issues are addressed, the furnishings can be artfully
arranged to create intimate conversation areas and focal points that
highlight the architectural selling features of the house. Strive for a
balance between an elegant, uncluttered look while maintaining a warm
and inviting atmosphere.
Sure it’s difficult, but as soon as that FOR SALE sign goes up on the
lawn you must start thinking of your home as “just a house”. You have to
start the packing process anyway, so why not edit and eliminate your
possessions at this stage of the game. You’ll save valuable time if you
only pack what you really intend to move.
A staged home sells faster – and you deserve top dollar for your well
loved home. The cost of a professional redesign will be insignificant
compared to having to make a price reduction to get things moving. So go
ahead - turn your space into a showplace !
Sandi Gerrard
Feel at Home Interior Redesign
416.795.9840
www.sandiathome.com
Read another home staging article...
Selling your Wonderland in the Winter!
While Spring is the most common time to put your house on the market,
selling in the “off” season of winter can be a very shrewd move and have
it’s advantages.
