Stage Right - Sell Your Home or Perfect it for Your Own Enjoyment

Professional home staging can be the best thing to ever happen to your home. Whether you are trying to sell your luxury home or just need guidance on how to make the best of your furnishings, stagers can bring it all together with jaw-dropping transformations. So much so, stagers Debbie Boggs and Julie Young, owners of  By Design Home Stagers, find that the homes they stage sell in half the time of un-staged homes on the market. “Staging is much more effective and less expensive than a price reduction!” says Young.

Your home is most likely your greatest financial investment, and Young asks, “Why not do your best to get the most out of your property?” Staging offers a distinctive difference from interior design which showcases the specific taste of the homeowner. “The goal of staging is to showcase the home at its best without reflecting the homeowner’s distinct style. Staging will cast the broadest net to catch the widest market interested in buying the listing.” Boggs adds, “We assess each home to focus on its positive features and detract from any negatives.”

Young offers advice to homeowners who are selling, “Once your home goes on the market, it becomes a product. It's difficult to take the emotion out of the house, but necessary if you want to achieve your goal of a quick sale for higher offers!” Here are their guidelines:

Occupied Homes For Sale-

De-clutter--including closets and pantries. A good rule of thumb is to clear the floor to show all the square footage of your storage areas.

Pre-pack extra furniture and out-of-season clothing. Edit all cabinets. You've got to pack anyway, so do it when you'll benefit the most--before showings.

Make repairs and updates. Don't leave your to-do list for the buyer or you will be leaving money on the table.

Remove all things pet related--including the pets themselves.

Deep clean.

Keep a neutral palette with pops of color for interest.

Furniture placement should show the focal point of each room with plenty of walk space - at least 36" for walkways. You may have to store furniture if there is too much or it's too large.

Vacant Homes For Sale –

Vacant property requires a different approach. “It is important to show it staged so it doesn't feel cold and empty. Buyers make decisions based on emotion. It 'just feels right,' 'It feels like home' or 'I can see us here.' Our goal is to make an emotional connection with buyers so they can imagine themselves living in your home and make an offer. The property should “hug” buyers, and that is difficult to do when it’s vacant. Staging is an asset, so you won’t be getting low-ball offers from buyers who think you are carrying two mortgages and are desperate to sell.”

Even if you aren’t selling, stagers can help you maximize the look and feel of your home for your enjoyment with design services. “For design clients, our goal is to reflect the story of the owner. Using the homeowners' furnishings or accessories passed down through generations, travel experiences, and even interests. Interior design will help homeowners love the house they live in!” says Young.

Portfolio Realtors also recommend these Alamo City home stagers:

Stage 123 (210) 367-4051 

Sandra Sursa (210) 602-8495

Feather Fluff and Flings (210) 860-7953 www.featherfluffandflings.com

Who is Portfolio Real Estate?

We are top performing real estate professionals, experienced in representing exclusive properties and the people who buy and sell them. Where you live is a reflection of who you are and the life you prefer to live, and WE have the keys to the finest our area has to offer.

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