Staging - The Next Big Thing

For years homes sold either by owner or with the help of a broker. Today selling a home isn't as simple as placing the house for sale with advertisements in major publications and expecting someone to purchase it within a few months. An increase in construction has led to numerous new developments as well as commercial buildings being converted into residential ones.

With the increase in both the number and variety of homes on the market, the chance of selling one's home is more arduous, simply because there is a greater selection from which to choose. Hence, the time on the market increases and the selling price may be cut due to this. In order to lessen the time on the market, increase the number of inquisitive buyers and most importantly leave an impression that will make them purchase your home, sellers are seeking an alternative means; staging – the act of preparing a home prior to placing it for sale in the real estate market.

According to the Chinese proverb, "you cannot make something happen, but you can create a space in which what you want is more likely to happen," holds true when selling a home. You cannot force someone to purchase your home, but you can certainly create a space in which it is more likely to happen. In order to create this space, one can follow a few simple steps that stagers recommend.

Clutter creates disarray and hinders the imagination. A clear room equates a clear mind that enables the imagination, allowing buyers to visualize how the home would suit their furnishings and lifestyle [for the better not worse.] Following the minimalist approach is always a good start. Remove any excess furnishings and trinkets. You may love your worn recliner and your mother's collection of Elvis memorabilia, but buyers may view them as refuse and clutter.

Another recommendation from stagers is to make the home bright and clean. Review your home and determine what color scheme you were targeting at the time of decorating. Now actually follow through with your plans and color coordinate your home, by simply reversing a blanket or pillow, placing a slipcover over your sofa, etc. Remember, your idea of decorating does not necessarily equate the buyers' tastes. Adding a frame on the wall makes the home seem more personable. A simple flower in a vase or candles can create a sense of warmth. Additionally, make sure your home is neat and tidy up before each open house.

Some color can be good and add warmth. Other colors may be repulsive and can cause the potential buyer to simply turn around and walk out of the open house. Red may seem bright and intimidating, but it is actually inviting and warm when used properly. Shades of blue and green can be considered calming. Neutral colors like black, white and brown can tone down a room and allow the potential buyer to imagine their own color scheme. Brown in particular can invoke a sense of honesty and wholesomeness.

Bear in mind that real life doesn't sell. A functional kitchen is important, but having canisters, pots, pans, dirty dishes and the like around is not how buyers want to envision your home. Again, clean and uncluttered works best. Each item on the counter stops the eye for a second. Put everything in its place and keep the counters at a bare minimum. Fewer accessories permits the buyers' eyes to roam freely and fewer items give off the impression of a larger countertop. A folded neat and clean towel is fine, but a dirty used one is not. Placing fruit in a glass bowl brightens the room. Place your cooking utensils in a crock Remember, you are always trying to visually expand the room and keep it inviting.

If you have ever visited a friend and their apartment appears to be straight out of a magazine and seems so pleasant and well-designed, you don't have to be envious. You can recreate the look too and should when selling your home. Originality is inspirational, but your inimitable taste may not appeal to others. Order some home furnishing catalogs or use a search engine and print out pictures of rooms you fancy. Then recreate the look with your current furnishings by rearranging items or adding accents like pillows, candles a table runner, etc.

Make your home appear livable to the buyer. Refer back to the magazine or pictures you printed out and replicate the way the dining room table is set as well as the breakfast bar or entry way in your home. If your hardwood floors need to be polished and sanded then you should. If only a small portion of your floor is discolored or worn, place an area rug over the problem spot.

Finally, an empty room equates an austere one. Invite friends over to review your design choices and try to imagine you were the buyer seeing your home for the first time. Does it leave an impression? If so, what type of impression – one that will make the buyer run and never look back or one that will lead the buyer to closing?