Home staging doesnt have to be complicated when you follow the 5 Wswho, what, when, where, and why.
Boomers, are you planning to sell when you retire? Youre not alone and it will take some advance planning. In a recent NAR Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, we learned Boomers represent 43% of todays sellers. But, who are the buyers for your home?
Stage Your Home for the Buyers Eye
We know homes using home staging sell better and faster plus oftentimes sell for a higher amount. It makes sense to use this tool for your own home. When it comes to staging it helps to organize something this important into specific tasks you can handle in the months (and years) leading up to listing your home for sale. I like the Who, What, When, Where and Why approach to simplify things.
Who Who is the logical buyer for your home?
Contact the REALTOR with whom you will list your home and ask them about buyer demographics. Is it a first time home buyer or a trade-up buyer interested in your school district? Is your REALTOR also a Professional Stager? If not, do they have someone they work with that will be an integral part of your team?
What What does this buyer want?
Once you have defined your likely buyer, you can next determine what you will need to do in your home prior to listing it for sale. Are the projects major or minor? Do you need to replace the flooring, update bathrooms, or the kitchen? Do you just need a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint? Dont neglect the yard. Refreshing your landscape is perhaps the best way to make a good first impression.
When When should you begin?
The time to begin is when you have decided you are going to sell your home, even if this is two years from now. The more you procrastinate, the more likely youll be stressed at the last minute.
Where Where should you start?
Focus on first impressions. Work with your REALTOR and Stager to map out a plan; you dont have to blow your budget!
Why Why Stage?
Without professional staging, your home will not photograph well and this is most critical in todays online world. Hopefully, the Listing Agent you have selected will have a professional photographer take the photos and prepare a Virtual or Visual Tour to showcase your home. But it all hinges on preparation and this means Staging.
Each month, we will focus on a specific room or project that you must prioritize in your Staging Plan. If you already live here in Delaware, please let us know when you first decide to sell. We have several professional stagers that we work with regularly that will keep it simple and help you get the job done. If not, let us know if you need our help identifying the right Listing Agent in your area.