Faced with a Staging Problem?

Part 4: Home Staging that Appeals to the Senses

By Sandy ⋅ February 17, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

For years, builders have known that models elicit a positive and emotional reaction from prospective buyers. When walking into a model home you will notice:

• The environment is neutral and soothing
• The colors and furnishings accentuate the home’s best features
• It smells clean
• Quiet, subtle background music is the only sound you hear
• The furniture arrangements are inviting and comfortable
• The property has great curb appeal

Here are some other simple ways to improve the marketability of a vacant property:

1. Curb Appeal: Buyers like to drive by prospective properties and many won’t make an appointment to see the inside if curb appeal is lacking. There needs to be a plan for keeping the lawn mowed, shrubbery trimmed, flower beds weeded, and gutters and windows cleaned.  Remove any items left behind in the yard that are not included with the house or that make the property appear unkempt.




2. Odors: Potential buyers are often greeted with a blast of stale or mildew-laden air when they enter a vacant house.  Leaving the heat or air conditioning running while the house is on the market helps to reduce odors.  It also makes the house more inviting and comfortable to be shown.  Address mildew issues as quickly as possible—preferably before it goes on the market.




3. Cleanliness: Dust, cobwebs and bugs tend to take over if routine cleaning isn’t maintained.  Some buyers get the impression that a house will require repairs if it looks dirty, cluttered or abandoned—which can dramatically impact whether they make an offer and how much they offer.




4. Lighting: Bright, well lit rooms look bigger and create a more inviting atmosphere.  Make certain all light bulbs are working and that light fixtures are clean.  Dated light fixtures should be replaced with more modern fixtures.  If sellers take light fixtures with them, make sure a replacement is hung before house goes on the market.  For closets, attics or crawl spaces where there is no lighting, install battery operated light disks sold at all home improvement stores.




5. Window Treatments: Eliminate heavy, outdated and worn draperies and window coverings (this includes valances).  Blinds and sheers can be left if they are in good condition.  Consider using temporary shades sold at home improvement stores as a cost effective alternative.




6. Confusing Rooms: Rooms need to remain true to their function.  If it’s a dining room, furnish it with a dining room table and chairs—and don’t forget to set the table.  If you are staging a master bedroom, make certain it looks and feels like one—add a beautiful displayed bed tray on the bed.  Some buyer’s can’t make sense of the floor plan in a vacant house. If a room’s function cannot easily be identified, if it looks out of place or negatively impacts the flow of the house, oftentimes buyers won’t take the time to figure out a solution to the problem.  Print cards and display them in a prominent place that say: “Don’t forget or did you know…this room could also be used for a play room, computer room, library/reading room, sewing/craft room, etc.”  It is a written way to help buyers envision the possibilities of the room(s).




7. Dual Functioning or Multi Purpose Rooms: Many homes are being built with rooms that serve dual or multi purposes.  For instance living/dining rooms; kitchen/office areas; family room/play room/homework area.  Use area rugs to better define the individual functions of a room — place one where the dining room furniture would be and another where the living room furniture would be.

Remember — less is best!  It is not necessary to fully furnish every room.  It’s all about setting enough of a scene that a) makes sense to buyers, b) creates a feeling of warmth and hospitality and c) makes buyers feel like this is a house they could call home.

Tags: cleaning, curb appeal, lighting, multi-purpose rooms, removing odors, staging vacant home, window treatments