MONDAY MOMENTS WITH MICHELLE – Staging your home

Welcome to Episode 8!

 

Today I want to talk about STAGING. I don’t watch HGTV or have a degree in design, but I do understand the premise and the benefits of setting the stage – YOUR HOME. Staging sounds scary but it really isn’t. Like I had said in a previous blog, to get your home photo ready – IT’S SIMPLE – just clean and declutter.

 

If you are internet savvy, you have probably checked out listing online and commented on the photos. If you are like me, you scroll past the really messy ones or perceive the rooms shown with the many knickknacks and pictures on the walls as being small. Take it from your own viewing experiences. Less is more! I get that the décor you have chosen for your home is emotionally comforting for you, but it is important to step out of this comfort zone in order to stage your home objectively.

 

STREET APPEAL: When potential buyers drive by your home, what do they see? Long grass, a shutter hanging from one hinge, overgrown and weedy gardens, dented and chipped front door? These things should be addressed immediately. The question a buyer would ask is, “if this is what the front looks like, I wonder what the inside looks like?” They would probably not ask for a viewing. Consider hiring a yard maintenance company if the job is too big for you to tackle

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PAINT, DEEP CLEAN AND REPAIR! A coat of paint does wonders for your home. It is reasonably inexpensive and freshens up the room. De-junk. Buyers DO look inside closets and drawers. Clean or hire cleaners to give your home sparkle. Window frames, windows, behind and under fridges and stoves are just a couple of areas that we sometimes neglect. Furnace filters and fireplaces are a couple of other things to remember. Repair or replace the little nagging things that you have put off. All of these tips add value and appeal to your asset. Ask your agent for suggestions on how to showcase your home to the best of your budget and ability. Your best interests are at stake here so don’t take offence to any suggestions your agent may make.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL STAGERS: If the budget allows it, there are actually people out there who make their living from staging homes. If you feel that doing it yourself is overwhelming, your agent can give you some names of stagers that will work with you to obtain amazing results!

 

Now that your home is staged and ready to list, the next step is photos. Some agents like take their own photos with their cell phone. I, myself, prefer to hire a professional photographer as this is not within my scope of expertise. Many photographers not only do photos, but some can offer virtual walk-throughs, floor plans and, weather permitting, drone photography. This is part of the complete professional package provided to you by a full-service real estate agent. Now the listing can go LIVE and the real FUN begins!

 

Feel free to reach out to me regarding this content or to suggest subjects you would like to learn about.

 

Oh, by the way! I am NEVER too busy for your Referrals, either! Tell your friends!

 

Definitely call me if you want exceptional real estate service!

 

Have a great week! Your listing is now active. Let’s talk next Monday about the roller coaster that is inevitably going to be your life for the next couple of weeks or so.