Staging How-To’s & How It Works
: August 21st, 2009 
: Evelyn Bruder 
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If you’re thinking about selling your home or even buying one, you’ve probably heard the term ’staging.’ Staging is essentially the act of making your home as desirable as possible by doing things like cleaning, organizing, and refreshing key rooms. Over the recent years, staging has become a vital (and popular) part of the selling process and almost any agent will suggest that you hire a professional ’stager’ to take care of your home. However, I have learned staging can be a simple and easy process than can be done by any seller; all you need is a willingness to work!
The first thing I generally suggest to all sellers is to do a thorough “deep clean” of the home, particularly if there are pets in the house. Steam cleaning carpets, waxing wood floors, and cleaning tile grout make a huge difference in the overall look of a room. Bathrooms and kitchens are rooms that tend so slowly collect mildew and grime, so focusing on areas that usually go unnoticed is important; make sure the baseboards are dust and dirt-free and the ceilings haven’t collected steam stains. Any of above mentioned surfaces can be cleaned with household products; even most Wal-Mart and Albertson’s stores rent out carpet cleaning products that are affordable and easy to use.
Most sellers really hate to hear the next one, but it’s very important to put a fresh coat of a neutral paint (like taupe or cream) in every room of the house. I know it can be extremely difficult to say goodbye to all the beautiful colors you picked out for your home, but if you’re really serious about selling, it’s crucial to start with a blank canvas to allow possible buyers to see the potential for their own personal flair. Soft neutrals, like eggshell or sand, are gentler on the eyes and still provide a fresh start.
Always make sure high traffic areas are cleared of excess furnishings and decorations to maximize the feeling of space. Highlighting key features in each room (like a window seat or vaulted ceilings) by removing decoration draws attention to another ‘blank canvas.’
De-cluttering and de-personalizing each room is essential. I always tell the seller to look at it as getting ahead on packing! Boxing up things like gaming systems, DVD cases, and large pieces of art instantly cleans and organizes a room. Keep your dining table and bar areas free of things like old magazines, newspapers, and mail; this will help you, the seller, get rid of clutter too! Make sure that walls aren’t burdened with too much art as this severely darkens a room. To balance it out, hang one or two smaller paintings or photos per wall; you’ll be amazed at how much it brightens each room. It’s beneficial to remove one or two pieces of large furniture (like recliners or couches) or to rearrange to demonstrate how much space your home offers. Getting rid of larger plants also utilizes the space factor and always make sure greenery is trimmed and kept manicured.
Hiding family photos can be the toughest part of all. I always suggest to bubble wrap all of the special photos, frames, trophies, and the like to allow buyers to envision their own family space. The ultimate goal of staging is to give a buyer a platform in which they can expand on their own ideas for decorating, renovation, and most importantly, purchasing.
If this particular blog helped just one homeowner gain confidence in preparing to sell their home, then I feel like the task was accomplished! Buying and selling homes can be so daunting and it should be up to me, as an agent, and agents everywhere to make it a little easier on our clients.
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The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team
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Tags:first time home buyer, helpful hints, home buyer information, home organization, homebuyer tips, homebuyers, las cruces real estate, sell your home, sell your home fast, Things to do around you home
August 21st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
As a phoenix carpet cleaning person these are great tips. For an EPA schedule
of carpet cleaning go to my link or click on my user name.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Evelyn..I go with you. Home staging is important for increasing the value of the home when selling takes place especially. Unfortunately, many people haven’t known about this. Nice blog. Visit me also and you will learn more about do it yourself solar panels. This will enrich staging works as well.
December 31st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Thanks for sharing that.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I’ve really enjoyed reading your articles. You obviously know what you are talking about! Your site is so easy to navigate too, I’ve bookmarked it in my favourites
January 26th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Thank you so much for your comment. It is my mission to deliver valuable information to the Las Cruces area and beyond; it’s good to know I’m reaching eyes and ears! I’m always open to suggestions for blog topics and discussions.
-Evelyn