| When Shakespeare wrote that all the world’s a stage, he probably never envisioned home stagers, those wizards of visual manipulation that magically transform interiors, imbuing purpose and functionality with the removal of a side chair or the placement of a throw pillow, similar to a beautifully directed play. There are many moving parts when it comes to staging a home for sale. But sometimes what is slightly off can be difficult to pinpoint. I see it virtually every day, and it is quite disheartening—especially when many situations can be easily rectified and quickly accomplished before you open the door to your first potential buyer. So today for your viewing pleasure, here are a few “Tricks of the Trade.” 1. Let There Be Light, But Make Sure It’s Good Light. Would you sell a car without taking it through the carwash and having it detailed? The same goes for the lighting in the home. The colour of light significantly impacts the look and feel, as well as the size and shape of a room. All overhead, floor and table lamps should have the same warm-white light bulbs (2700-3000 K) instead of “cool white,” “daylight,” or “blue” hue, which can make everything appear paler and washed out. Or in the case of mismatched bulbs – quite erratic.Update by removing tie-backs on curtains and drapes.Open curtains, checking that the side window casings are not exposed. Get 25% more light by removing window screens.Tuck lamp cords out of sight as much as possible.  2. Hide the Evidence I get it, sellers live in a house, not in a Crate & Barrel showroom. But before buyers ring the doorbell, all personal hygiene materials, cleaning supplies, and personal memorabilia needs to be stored away. You want your buyers to be fantasizing about the rooms and wooing them with the home decor, not the dirty laundry in the bedroom closet. And buyers don’t want to see all the trips the sellers have been on by viewing a multitude of fridge magnets—you want them to feel it could soon be their own home .   3. Use the Goldilocks Theory Just because it fits, doesn’t mean it fits. Check for furniture that’s ‘just right’, removing pieces that are either too small or too large for the space.Example: Remove or add a leaf to the kitchen and/or dining room table.  4. It Just Makes Cents Smell is shockingly important. Hands down the worst mistake is using plug-in air fresheners, as well as overpowering, chemically-scented home products that can either give buyers a headache or make them nauseous. Cigarette smoke, pet odours, and strong cooking smells may also trigger a negative reaction and/or create a suspicion that something is being covered up. Erase all signs of pets. Potential buyers may have allergies. 5. The Crazy Ice Trick Dents in the carpet from moving furniture? Place ice cubes on the dents. When the ice melts and mostly dries, use the edge of a spoon to push the carpet fibers back in an upright position. A coin will also work. Voila! No more dents. 6. Flower Flash Everyone deserves to be bowled over by nature’s rosy and unbridled beauty. Whether it’s a bouquet of simple tulips, a larger floral arrangement, or a potted plant, the sensory stimuli thay they provide perks up a bedroom, living room, dining room or a bathroom in no time. |
| First Course Hang towels in thirds with no raw edges showing. Paired With: Decorative soap dispensers. Second Course Bring books to the front of bookshelves. Paired With: Hardcover, if possible. Only display books with spines. Third Course Clear appliances off kitchen counters. You want to sell counter space, not clutter. Paired With: Except an espresso machine. Fourth Course Don’t set the table. It’s dated, distracting, looks gimmicky, screaming –“this home has been staged.” Paired With: A large platter or a bouquet proportional to the table. |
Recipe for Success: Secrets from the Staging World
December 7, 2023 by
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