After reading the blogs on Active Rain the other day – the real estate geared web site and was amazed at some of the stories that are posted out there. Of course considering the state of the world nothing is that strange anymore! I Read a post from an agent who had recommended to her sellers that they did “not need” to stage their home as they could not spend the extra money to hire a stager. Years ago I had taken the time and spend the funds to actually go to a Staging Institute to just learn the basics of that profession. Was not planning on charging clients for the service but in my mind if someone needs “a little make up” to make them look better – then what the heck apply the darn stuff. I assure you that cover girls on magazines do NOT look like they do on that photo in their ordinary lives!
For my first property – it was an empty home – I went to IKEA and spent about $1000- YES that is a lot of money but goes a long ways in IKEA. I was able to stage a kitchen and family room in a property where those were those were the rooms that were directly in line with the Ocean Views. Did a few other touches in other rooms as home was vacant and low and behold wound up selling it to one of my own clients. My seller was very appreciative of not only the sale (duh) but that I had taken the time and money to show their house in the very best possible light! As they had small children with lots of toys it looked better than when they were living in the property!
I have to admit that I do love the process and find that even multi million dollar homes can use that “extra” pair of eyes to re arrange furniture and add accessories. I hate to say it but even if you are in that price range does not mean that sellers necessarily have the knowledge of what is trendy out there in home decorations. I have stolen many ideas just from wandering around Pier One and seeing new methods of table settings! With a little money and a lot of imagination a dining room can easily be transformed!
True fact – I have a garage piled high with staging furniture and accessories which could be used for better purposes… or actually that is the best purpose I can think of using a garage:)