The Grizzly Facts Regarding Bare Rooms - observations of a wild home stager

As a home stager, I secretly growl with frustration when I encounter vacant homes sitting on the market. Many of these listings lie dormant for extended and unnecessary lengths of time. Top Realtors and leading builders agree that selling an empty home is much more difficult than selling one that is furnished. Due to popular home design shows on television, today’s buyer has higher standards and wants a home that is “move in” ready. This has contributed to the success and popularity of home staging in recent years.

For most people the decision to buy a home is complex and is often based upon untamed emotion. Effective home staging ensures buyers identify with the space and aspire to the desirable lifestyle portrayed. This is precisely why builders use model homes and show suites to effectively sell properties. These days savvy Realtors and homeowners realize that in order to maximize selling price vacant listings must be staged.

If you are selling a vacant listing, bear in mind the disadvantages of presenting empty rooms. Perhaps the greatest drawback to selling vacant properties is that every negative detail is in plain sight. Buyers scrutinize the condition of walls, flooring, and fixtures when there is nothing else to capture their attention. Bare rooms magnify echo and are uninviting. Without structural focal points they appear boring. It is often difficult for potential buyers to gauge the functionality, size and scale of a room without furniture to provide a point of reference. Challenging floor plans can be a deal breaker, leaving buyers wondering about possible furniture layout and available space. Not only does effective home staging make rooms appear larger, it also helps buyers form the necessary emotional connection to their potential home. The streamlined furniture placement employed in home staging guides the buyer and provides a necessary sense of flow between rooms.

Most buyers view several properties before making a decision to purchase. A property that has been properly staged entices buyers to linger, interact, and remember the prospective residence. It is crucial that a space stands out from the competition and remains in the minds of potential buyers if you wish to attract multiple offers. People are often hesitant about purchasing an empty home because they assume that since the owner has already moved they are eager to sell or worse yet that there is something wrong with the property. A vacant listing may also imply that the property has been for sale for an extended period of time and encourages potential buyers to present a lower offer. Bottom line, staged homes sell sooner and for maximum profit.

Still not convinced? Consider this empty living room in a house staged by Jackson West of Reveal Estate Home Staging.

People don’t buy houses, they buy homes. Consider the advantages of having your vacant property staged by a qualified professional.

For more information or to view our online portfolio, visit the Reveal Estate website.

November 04, 2007

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Member since: 03/24/07
About: Jackson West is the owner and lead designer for Reveal Estate, a home staging company...