Hello everyone:
Whenever someone hears 'home-staging', they might envision a huge project, with truck-loads of furniture, rented art and lamps, decorations and yes, even rented 'fake fruit' for the kitchen counters. But reality is that it does not have to be THAT involved: homestaging might take the form of simply re-arranging furniture, choosing a different color for the kitchen and de-cluttering.
As my headline indicates: its now more important than ever! Here is why: In the past few years we have seen a very active 'sellers market'. Multiple buyers were bidding on a scarce supply of homes, and in these 'bidding wars', buyers were doing everything they can to stand out from the crowd. This included offering well-above-asking price, putting up huge deposits and writing offers with no conditions. Often they did all of the above.
Well, Winnipeg's market is still flying high, especially when compared to other major centres, but there are certainly areas and types of homes which may no longer get multiple offers: If you're living in a luxury home or condo, for example, it may take a little longer to sell, and in fact it is now the home-OWNER who is competing for the buyers attention. In some of these areas buyers have choices, and the home-owner needs to stand out above his competition.
Home-staging is gaining in popularity, and is certainly well worth examining. As my friend Lisa Stefanuik of "Designed-To-Sell-Homestaging" likes to say "You never get a second chance to make a first impression".
Home buyers will, almost instinctively, make up their mind about your home within the first few minutes. It it looks cluttered, colors are off, or there is a hint of a 'smell', buyers will move on.
Accredited Home Stagers will offer a 2 to 3 hour 'consultation', during which the owner will be supplied with a list of "Recommended To-Do's" to help them get the most money....and in the fastest time.
Check out the home staging website with before and after pics at http://www.designed-to-sell-homestaging.com.
Also, listen to my next Podcast in which I will discuss other things a home-seller can do to help the sale of his house or condo, especially in a more level market.
Podcast at www.rivercitypodcast.com
...til next time
Bo
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