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In a recent post, I had a home inspector with whom I work on a regular basis, post an article about the entire home inspection process.  Considering the fact that the market for sellers is very weak right now, I can't emphasize enough how important it is for sellers to give themselves the best possible opportunity to make sure that their home shows as well as it possibly can.  To help with this process, I frequently recommend a process we call "staging".  Essentially, staging is a step we take to maximize the emotional appeal of the house to prospective buyers as the house is shown.  To elaborate on the benefits and explain how staging works I asked Wendy Kokinda of Larsen Redesigns, (http://www.LarsenReDesigns.com) to write a post describing what her company does.  From personal experience working with Wendy and her partner Colleen, I can say that they do a fabulous job.  My thanks to Wendy for her help with this.

STAGING . . . The New Buzz Word in Real Estate                     

As I go forward with my business, I find it incredibly amazing that the concept of staging has not truly penetrated the real estate industry on the East Coast as extensively as it has on the West Coast.   In this very difficult selling market, there is an elevated inventory from which a buyer can shop. Presently buyers, in essence, have “the pick of the litter,” and that is exactly the issue at hand. How does one make their listing stand out from the rest? As you know, buyers purchase most everything on emotion. They buy things they like or even things they fall in love with. Real estate property is not differentiated from other things that buyers purchase, it’s just more expensive than a pair of jeans or a car. If the house doesn’t create an emotional bond with the perspective buyer, the buyer will “walk” and they will just look at the next house on the list. Notice I am referring to the “house” not the “home.”  One thing I always encourage my staging clients to do is to realize that they need to consider that their “home” becomes a “house” and this “house” is now a product.  Our objective is to market that product the best way that we possibly can.

How do you do that . . . you ask? STAGE your listings!

Visual appeal creates an emotional bond between the buyer and the “house.”  You only have one chance to make a good first impression. The expression is so true. From the front curb to the back property line, it is imperative that the entire property display itself in the best possible manner. A house with a well maintained lawn and trimmed trees is going to translate a subconscious message that the “house” is well maintained and will lure the buyer to the next step . . . to see the inside of the “house.”

Creating better visual appeal is the ultimate goal of a Real etate staging professional. De-cluttering and de-personalizing are all natural and obvious changes that need to be made to a home to help the sale of a property. But it goes much deeper than that. Furniture placement, adding decorative elements and creating a model home effect are just a few things Stagers can do to make a difference in a “house” that needs some esthetic help.

Staging a house can make a tremendous impact in the success of a timely sale of a property in this present climate. Staging statistically increases the profit $$ to not only the seller but also to the real estate agent as well. In addition, staging will help to decrease the days the house is on the market. The fact is, a staged house is more desirable than one that has not been staged.

For a reasonable fee, the staging professional will do an initial evaluation of the property by gathering important information and taking numerous pictures of the house. A report is then produced and presented to the homeowner defining the issues that exist in the property that may inhibit a timely sale. A “to do” list is given to the homeowner along with a proposal and contract to have the staging professional return to stage the property. The staging fees are extremely variable and dependent upon the amount of work to be done and time invested by the staging professional. Rental furniture can be obtained for vacant homes as well.

The time period in which this entire process will occur can be a week or two. It is advisable to bring the staging professional in after the listing agreement has been signed but before all multiple listing pictures have been taken. Wouldn’t you want the photos to have the best possible appeal and your listing to display itself the best manner possible?

Staging can make a tremendous impact on the increased salability of a home. Staging = a quick sale & higher profits = a happy seller = more referrals = future business! You come out a winner! Staging works!

Wendy Kokinda is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and a Certified Interior Staging Specialist. Colleen Stasinchak is an Accredited Staging Professional. They are partners in Larsen Redesigns, an Interior Redesign and Staging company located in Bucks County, PA  www.larsenredesigns.com  215.752.9021