To Stage or Not To Stage

A recent Maritz survey said that 63% of buyers will pay more for move-in ready homes. A quick, affordable way for homeowners to make their homes appear move-in ready is staging. A Real Estate Staging Association survey showed that professionally staged occupied homes sold 89% faster in 2008 than unstaged homes. Staged vacant homes on the market sold faster, too.

Partner with a professional interior designer to increase the selling potential of your home. Most interior designers have a keen sense of space and can help you make your space look larger and more appealing to prospective buyers.

Whether you are working with a professional designer or doing it yourself, first steps are:

- De-clutter! Remove all unnecessary items and furniture from your space.

- Put it in neutral. Pick a neutral tone for the walls and carpet, to help buyers envision their own furnishings in the space.

- Keep it simple. Too much furniture will prevent the space from looking big and bright.

- Pay attention to lighting. Lighting is critical to any well-staged space. Make sure you have enough, but don't overdo it. It’s part of the overall ambiance that can make or break a great impression. 

Now that you have an idea of what to do and how to do it, give it a shot. Advantages of staging outweigh its minimal cost and inconvenience. Your space will be clean, fresh and appealing to the majority of prospects – as well as agents -- who see it. You will no doubt recoup the cost of your staging by the timeliness of your sale and sale price.

Jill Weinberg, Refind Interiors

www.refindinteriors.com