Why Stage a Home for Sale in a Hot Market?

By Catherine E. Brown

For most people, selling a home is an emotional experience, so it’s difficult for sellers to have enough objectivity to prepare their home for potential buyers.

The old adage that “you only get one chance to make a great first impression” is imperative when selling a home. Most buyers make a decision within five to ten seconds of walking through the door; if they stay they will spend the rest of their tour confirming their decision.

Statistics shows that if a house doesn’t sell within the first few weeks (peak period of interest), people think something is wrong with it – and the listing becomes stale. A properly Staged house can command top dollar, yet many sellers put their home on the market the way they live in it – as is. In fact, some people put more effort into selling their car than selling their home.

Accredited Home Staging is not about hiding flaws or deceiving buyers; it’s about merchandising and presentation – to create a great first impression. Buyers remember dated, scuffed, or unusual wall coverings…and continue to look for a house with fresh décor. And if the seller invests in fresh paint, but doesn’t make the best colour choice – he could be creating a worse effect.

If a property does not visually appeal to an agent, she may pass on the listing in favour of a house she believes will sell quickly, or she may use it as a comparison to a house that has been Staged and shows well.

Often, realtors are uncomfortable discussing cleanliness, odours, or outdated décor with new clients who have been referred by friends, relatives, and former clients. An Accredited Home Stager can help realtors tactfully explain how to best present their properties without jeopardizing the listings.

Buying a house can be exhausting. There are many options and buyers have to be prepared to move quickly in the current market. Most buyers don’t want to take on renovations or painting as their energy and resources are already tapped.
Staging is not decorating. It is not an insult to the seller’s personal decorating taste or style. Staging is about appealing to the greatest number of buyers and selling the house quickly, for top dollar, regardless of the economy.

Catherine E. Brown is an Accredited Staging Professional and owner of Staged to Move. Catherine is committed to helping clients sell their home for the best price in the least amount of time. She can be contacted at (519) 868-7171 or by email at catherine@stagedtomove.ca. Visit her Web site at www.stagedtomove.ca.

Published in Networking Today, May 2006.