Maximum staging effect at a small amount
Isn't that the move you'll be doing anyway?
We have been emphasizing staging since around 2004, when the word staging was still unfamiliar to even agents. In situations where it is difficult to hire a professional stager, we "staging" ourselves with the consent and cooperation of the seller.
It cleans, relocates furniture, and puts small items. If you roll your arms out of any house and work for half a day, your house will change unknowingly. “Wow... is this my house? Does the agent work like this?” I often hear things like. After doing so much, it seems that we are now becoming “quasi” staging experts. Of course, it's not at the level of a professional company, but it's enough to make a big difference in the results.
Our own staging service is of course free. I think it's a natural and natural role for a listing agent. Even if you hire a professional stager, we help you get the most out of every step.
It is now uncontroversial common sense in real estate that a house sells better with staging. Staging, of course, refers to decorating your home when you sell it. Putting a house on the market without staging is no different than going to meet people in pajamas.
Nevertheless, in the case of formal staging (although it varies depending on the price range), it seems that there are 2-3 out of 10. The cost is burdensome when the house is not sold yet, and it is difficult to decorate the house where we live.
That said, don't give up at all. At least, you should do a major cleaning once. You can think of it as preparing in advance for the move you will be doing anyway. If you can earn $5000 by caring about 3-4 days, is there anyone who wouldn't do it? It's hard to prove, but I believe that the difference between $5000 can easily be done with a little effort. And there are many things that sellers can do themselves. In addition, it is correct to help the agent in some form of “staging”, one of the key preparations for selling the house.
The following is a description of the basic principles of staging and specific advice. Based on our many years of staging experience, here are some of the most practical things a seller can do.
Basic principles of staging
Once you decide to sell your home, you have to start thinking of your home as a “good” to show to buyers, not where you live. Here are 4 words you need to remember to prepare a home that will appeal to buyers.
Simple
Unless it's very flashy and stylish, it's best to be simple. Ideally, everything except furniture and accessories that would be "decorative" should be removed. Even daily necessities (toothbrush, dishcloth, cooking utensils, etc.) should be kept out of sight. It is good to be empty only when it is crude. When it is simple, it looks spacious, and the house looks more straightforward.
Depersonalized (non-personalized)
Buyers don't like too many family photos and decorations with too much personal taste. It's the same principle as not telling people about my personal life for the first time. Of course, it is neither possible nor necessary to completely eliminate the body odor of me and my family. However, it is better to commercialize your home in a somewhat neutral way.
Working (without breakdown)
You can't completely fix everything. In particular, old houses have a lot of functional problems. That doesn't mean that you can't sell your house. However, it's a good idea to fix things that can be fixed as much as possible. If you are fixing your home, the order will be to fix the things that buyers care more about and consider important.
Clean
From the outside and the inside, the feeling that the house is clean is very important. If it is clean, it can give the impression that the owners of these homes lived with good care. Sometimes I see houses that are not clean, and they have a negative effect on them beyond the feeling of being messy.
Specific method of staging
1.Make it Simple/Depersonalized
Buy a few large and small moving boxes.
I will move anyway. Put things that you don't use right away and don't need to decorate your home in advance. It's nice to have the house organized, and it's one stone and two to do things in advance. If there are many items that are not used and are not worth throwing away, do a Garage Sale or Donation.
I think I'm a buyer who came to see our house, and I look around the house from outside.
Probably, you'll notice the odds and ends that you haven't seen even when you usually look at it, and the withered pots. Perhaps in an hour or two, you will be able to clean up some garbage. It is advisable to clear the road in front of your house if possible. In particular, dog excrement must be removed. (Advice from Open House's painful experience.)
Basketball Rule
The ornaments are big ones. The Basketball Rule is to get rid of it because it can look crude if it is smaller than a basketball.
If it's a little vague, it's better to not have it at all.
An empty house is better than a poorly decorated house. For furniture that doesn't fit in the assortment, it's better to leave it empty at all. It is better not to be cool and not flashy at all. In one space, you usually only need one ornament.
Living room first!!!
The first space you see when entering through the front door is usually the living room. So, the order is to clean up and decorate the living room first. Then the kitchen and bathroom. Only the living room, kitchen, and bathroom can make a good impression even if they are clean and tidy. The room is relatively carefree.
Neutral color and atmosphere are good.
If there is a red decoration on a light brown, dark brown, black or white background, you can create the most acceptable atmosphere. In any color, green pots go well together. Avoid atmospheres that are too dark, feminine/masculine, aggressive colors, or too strong personality.
In any house, there are several "treasures" hidden in warehouses or garages.
Among the items stored in the warehouse or garage, there are a few items that can be used as ornaments. As you look around the objects, you can use items that you think are pretty as ornaments. However, remember the Basketball Rule.
If it's not “decorative”, put it all away.
It is better to remove items that cannot be seen as ornaments among household items such as toothbrush and toothpaste. No one has ever seen a toothpaste toothbrush in a model home in a new home.
Relocate furniture.
In life, the furniture is arranged “functionally”. Based on the convenience of living, the laid furniture is rearranged to a more general and balanced position. For example, if the sofas are scattered all over the place, put them together.
2. Make it Working
If there are too many clumsy problems, it's a good idea to fix them in advance.
You can also call Handyman or Plumber. The most noticeable light bulbs, water taps, loose door handles, torn window screens, etc. should be fixed as far as possible.
Termite Work is worth considering in advance.
What you have to do to sell your house anyway. Houses that do not have a major problem are fine after entering the escrow, but houses that are old and may have a lot of problems can be prevented in advance by doing them in advance.
Doing an inspection in advance can also be a good preparation at times.
For homes that can have a lot of problems, the seller can inspect them first. If you know the problems in advance, you can fix them in advance or notify the buyers to prevent potential conflicts with buyers in the future.
You can go one step further and do remodeling.
They usually focus on toilets and bathrooms. You should carefully weigh it and report it. This is where the help of an expert is absolutely necessary.
3. Make it Clean
Paint, paint, paint!!!!
Paint is the most effective work with the least cost and effort. If the paint is dirty, it's worth the money. Probably, it will come back several times the value of what you invested in.
If the carpet or wooden floor is dirty, it should at least be cleaned.
If it's very dirty, it's a good idea to change it. In some cases, giving buyers credit for choosing the color and type they want can be a good idea. But, overall, it's a good idea to change it in advance (if it's very dirty).
Professional cleaner
Almost all sellers don't have the time and time to "hard and polish" their home. Remember, you can clean every corner of your home for very little. This will also be worth the investment.
Clean windows, mirrors, and curtains.
If you look at it after hard cleaning and tidying, you often miss windows or glass. If you hire a professional cleaner, it's a good idea to order the windows directly.
The kitchen and toilet should be clean.
In particular, it is better to remove molds from sinks or bathtubs. You can learn it without difficulty. If the bathtub is a lot dirty, you might want to consider Restoration. This, too, will be rewarding for your investment.
If you have a dog or cat...
Buy a Deodorizer and Pet Hair Remover to remove odors and hair. If you smell a lot, you may need an air purifier. There are things worth about $100.
Keep your garden tidy.
Mowing the lawn, cutting off dead branches, and planting pretty flowers to keep your garden clean and pretty. If you usually hire a gardener, you can make a "special order" to let them know you're selling your home and to make them look pretty.
Copyright 2021 Boston Choi All rights reserved.
