DIY: Home Staging
By Ken Hoyt
According to S&P/Case-Schiller quarterly index the housing market has not declined this quickly for the past twenty years. Across the nation home prices fell, on average 3.2%. The LA Times report had good news for one region… “By comparison, the Pacific Northwest was strong, with prices rising 7.9% in Seattle and 4.5% in Portland.” Here in Oregon, where I live, houses are still selling… just more slowly. We’re in a Buyer’s Market (meaning the buyers have the majority of power). When you’re selling in that sort of climate it’s critical that you have “the best house at the best price.”*
Most often judiciously improving a home is money well spent. It’s like going on a date; you want to look your best. For a house on the market it’s like a series of first dates… and the first impression is everything for a house buyer. But in this case one of those dates needs to result in a commitment.
You’ll want to put your best foot forward. I think that it’s a matter of removing objections; i.e. like the hot pink bathroom, soiled or worn carpeting or chipped laminate. Details like those will leave a bad image, and may feel insurmountable to homebuyers. **
I regularly work with people readying their homes for market. One thing that is consistently true: it’s really hard to be objective about our own homes. The beloved details that we’ve added are, in many cases, so personal that they appear to be quirky to a set of new eyes. And the joy of living in our homes blinds us to worn materials and outdated design.
Myadvice is to get some outside help. Whether that is a design professional or a really good friend you trust to be honest. Making the right decision is often worth thousands of dollars.
*A trusted real estate broker/friend says that her biggest concern these days is the people who set unrealistic price goals for a home. “Price adjustments can send a negative impression to the purchasers, who may want even lower prices.”
**This is especially true for first time homebuyers who may feel overwhelmed by the down payment and moving costs.
(For more information visit my blog.
Did you like this article?
Ken Hoyt's blog (89 posts)
Subscribe to this blog
Member since: 07/03/07
About:
My small business, Interior Advocate, provides design solutions for interiors. And I write about living...
cindyAtStaged4more
bruno
cindyAtStaged4more
Ken Hoyt
i think you've got a solid point. I know, though, that there are many people who can't afford to hire help. I try to help them by having short appointments that produce long lists.
Thanks for commenting!
Ken
cindyAtStaged4more
It's very true. I am a real estate stager but I wouldn't stage my own house if I sell. It's just too overwhelming for me to handle. It really helps if there is someone who is an outsider to help staging the home to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Cheers,
Cindy
Add a Comment!