Most Buyers Can’t “See” your Home’s Features when it’s Vacant (On the market for 7 months, then Staged & Sold in 1 Week)

When your home or listing is on the market, remember that a vacant home (no matter how nice it is) doesn’t include an important ingredient (“emotion”) from the buyer’s point of view. Here’s a good example … a beautiful new home in Portland was on the market from May through December 2011 without a sale. It was Vacant, and buyers just didn’t “connect” with this lovely upscale home, even though it had multiple price reductions.

The sellers then contacted our Portland home staging company and within 7 days of staging, it was under contract!

Since this happens time and time again, we know that staging enables buyers to imagine living in the home. A well-staged home does the following:

• Clearly defines each room’s function 

• Has a good traffic flow from one room to the next

• Properly highlights each room’s focal point
  

• Showcases the home’s best features so that Buyers can “see” what living there would be like

• Allows Buyers to connect with the home on an emotional level

We’re delighted that this home sold so quickly after staging (as are the sellers).  Here are some Before & After photos that we think illustrate why home staging is such an effective marketing tool.

The dining room is a spacious, light-filled room … 

But once staged, it becomes a place to entertain family & friends

The kitchen is very large, but when empty felt cold … 

Staging gave buyers a chance to see themselves cooking here 

Buyers may miss all the great room’s features

Staging draws attention to the fireplace, the built-ins, and the high ceilings

The wood-panelled den is nice “before” …

but Staging helps it come to life when buyers can “see” its function 

The master bedroom is cold “before”

But warms up with staging that shows buyers this room is a peaceful retreat

Even the bathroom looks boring “before”

But staging highlights its spa appeal

Remember that most buyers need to “see” the possibilities in the homes they view, both online and in person.  A vacant house leaves nothing to the imagination … increase the chances for a quicker sale, as these sellers did, by using home staging as a cost-effective marketing tool.

~ Staging and Photos by Room Solutions Staging LLC, Portland Oregon ~

***

Room Solutions Staging offers home staging services to Portland Oregon homeowners, real estate agents, builders, banks,  and investors to prepare homes for the market.  Our home staging clients love our customer service and our home staging statistics!  Our home staging services in the Portland OR metro area include consultations, staging for both vacant and lived-in homes, and interior restyling service.  For a free home staging proposal, please contact us @ 503-246-1800.