Little changes have large impact

January 27, 2008

One question I am frequently asked is, “Should every home be staged?” The simple answer is YES! The way we live in our homes is different from the way we need to market them for sale. When decorating your home the goal is to create a space that is homey and personal. When you put your home on the market the goal is to appeal to a buyer you don’t know, but who is likely younger than you are and undoubtedly has different tastes.  So it is important to neutralize, depersonalize and update.

It takes years to get your home just how you like it, with displays of family photos, bold color choices, custom draperies, etc. but when selling, these become beautiful distractions that detract from the architecture of the home. Staging your home for a buyer can have a great impact and payoff. Homes that have been professionally staged sell on average for 5-10% more and in 50% less time.

The real estate market in Rockland County NY is competitive. When you are considering selling, whether listing your home with an agent or selling your home by owner, call The Staging Prince at (845) 875-4561 for a professional consultation. We can help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale.

Tips for selling your Rockland County NY Home

January 18, 2008

The spring real estate season is just around the corner for Rockland County homeowners.  It may seem like the depth of winter, but before you know it the flowers will be in bloom and the real estate market will be in full swing. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about getting your home ready for sale.

Taking care of minor renovations early will ensure that your home is ready to be photographed and ready to be listed.   Here are some helpful home staging tips to consider before listing your home for sale.

  • Declutter - Clutter eats equity!  It is important to get your home as streamlined as possible.  Potential buyers want to be able to view the floor plan and architecture, not your distracting treasures.  Take a few days and pack things that will detract from your home.
  • Neutralize - Bold colored walls, floral wall paper, stylized rooms may be perfect for your personality but they do not have universal appeal.  You do not want buyers to remember your home for its quirky decorating – the house should be the star.  Neutral colors have a broader appeal.
  • Sniff test - Your home should not have any identifiable odors from pets, food or mildew.  It is important to address these problems now, trying to cover them with deodorizers is never the answer.
  • Emotional Connections – Now that your home is decluttered and neutral it is time to add those homey touches that will make buyers fall in love with the home.

It is best to hire a professional home stager to assist you with this process.  It is hard to take an objective look at your own home.  Buyers today are savvy and their expectations are high.  Staging your home will ensure that it is in show condition and that you get top dollar when selling.

Call The Staging Prince today for a professional consultation to take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale.  (845) 875-4561.

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StagingRockland: Occasional postings on recreational opportunities and other benefits of living in the Hudson Valley, home staging, the local real estate market, and some favorite castles of The Staging Prince.

The Staging Prince is a professional home staging firm in Rockland County NY. If your home is on the market but not drawing offers from buyers, call us for an evaluation to identify barriers to sale.