With roots in the word 'love', Wikipedia defines amateur as someone loves doing something, but does it casually, is unpaid/under-paid, new and inexperienced, and/or often self-taught. The Refreshed Home heartily supports homeowners doing things on their own, but only when they know what they're doing. Three things amateur Home Stagers miss:
The Sellers Brain
Staging IS about stuff, but first engage the sellers' brain. We all know 'de-clutter, de-personalize', but without first understanding the real whys, this mantra is decidedly judgmental.
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Also, Sellers often need to re-align their thinking to see their house like a buyer does. Putting your house on the market is like a first date. Getting ready, is your mindset firm, '____is all I want to do' , or do you consider 'how can I make the best impression'?
Dating, like Real Estate, is emotional and delicate territory. Rare is a second date-or showing!- when it's clear on the first one the other person is more concerned with themselves and their needs that they are with you. No one gets plastic surgery for a first date, but caring enough to do the best you can-whatever that may be-resonates with Buyers.
Find out what's happening in Bronxville-Eastchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Who is the Buyer?
OK, so you know it'll be a young family in your Cape Cod starter (or a bachelor/bachelorette for your coop, a growing family for your 5 BR Colonial). Guess what-so does everyone else!
Buying is about the future, hopes and dreams of brighter days. Don't coast-dig deeper, think beyond 'who'. Where they are coming from? What is their motivation? What are their dreams? What great things can happen when they buy this house? Simple ways to engage buyers:
- A desk, a good lamp, and books in a childs' room inspire wonderful thoughts for parents
- A spice rack, some mini herb plants and well-loved cookbooks elevates any kitchen
- Pay attention to the workbench, and the garage, someone will love it for that as much as you do
This property above was located in a school district where lacrosse was hothothot. The yard was broad and flat, we borrowed a goal from a neighbor. A/O in 3 weeks, and OHYES, buyers had 3 children who all played.
Good Vibrations
Pleasing visuals are vital, but often missed, or dismissed are details that telegraph waaaay TMI to buyers, compromising a sellers' position.
Buyers buy for the future: for better days, and to be happy, but sellers sell for all sorts of reasons. Under the best of circumstances there is still a sense of loss, even if it's an acknowledgement of time passing by, but often there is more: illness, death, financial distress or divorce.
If it's your house, it's hard to hear, but truth is old/sad linens and bed coverings, sparsely/oddly furnished rooms, medical equipment, an empty his (or hers) closet in the Master Suite are off-putting at best to buyers, and will fuel speculation about why you "need" to sell, generating low-ball offers at worst.
At The Refreshed Home, it's experience that knows the importance of having these specific, and sometimes difficult conversations with Sellers early on; it's kindness and discretion that makes them less stressful, and more productive. About to list? Have difficult circumstances, or an old, under-performing listing? Talk to me today about how we can get your property noticed, and SOLD!
Marie Graham is an Interior Decorator, an Accredited Home Stager, and owner of The Refreshed Home. Helping Westchester and lower Fairfield County Homeowners make good plans, and wise decisions since 1981, contact her directly marie@therefreshedhome.com 914.607.2895
