Are You Selling A House OR Home? Part 2

In the previous blog, “Are You Selling A House OR Home? Part 1″, we explored the difference between the two and why selling a home is a more successful approach than selling a house. When selling a home, you are also selling a lifestyle.

Now that we have an understanding of the difference, I now want to help you stage a lifestyle in a way that enables you to meet to sales goals and perhaps even surpass them.

Staging tips for creating a lifestyle:

Exterior/Curb Appeal 

A well maintained and manicured garden gives the impression that this house has been loved and cared for.

• The garden, both front and back, should be immaculate and trimmed.
• Avoid beauty bark and opt for dark rich brown mulch.
• Invest in some attractive pots with seasonal flowers.
• If you have a front porch, create an inviting seating area appropriate for your house. 
  
  

  This house was painted, the steps were power washed, and the garden was tidied up. No surprise that this house was sold in two days with two offers in a tough real estate market.

• Backyards should have matching patio table and chairs.
• Include colorful cushions, if possible.
• Read one of our previous blogs for more helpful tips for improving curb appeal.

Entry/Foyer

Create a beautiful and inviting transition from the street.

• A console table with flowers, lamp, mirror or wall art as well as a carpet or runner will add interest and softness to the hallways.

Living Room

Most home buyers see the rooms as what they are and NOT as what they can be. Help them see how well they can entertain their friends and family in the home.

• Select furniture in the current style or what is appropriate for the style of the home.
• Create a flow and tie different spaces together by using a unified color scheme with accent colors in pillows, accessories, and artwork.
• Use the right scale of furniture to create elegant conversation areas.
• Arrange furniture to create comfortable walkways without blocking the views. Maintain access to outdoor spaces, such as a balcony, open.
• Use sheers if the views from the windows are not ideal. You can also create a green screen by planting bamboo plants just outside the windows. This creates interest, allows light in, and keeps the buyer’s eyes focused on the inside instead of the neighbor’s neglected house.

The inside of the house got the same treatement. The carpets were shampooed, the walls were painted, and the rooms were staged and ready for the home buyers.

Dining Room

Again, show the buyers that they can have a dinner party for their family and friends.

• Use a dining table that is proportionally correct for the room with matching or complimentary chairs. 
• If your dining room table has extra leaves, take one of them out. The focal point should be the size of the room and not the size of the table. This is another reason for the importance of having a correctly sized dining table.
• If the space allows it, add a sideboard or buffet with lighting and a center piece.

Bathrooms

Create a spa statement vs. a honeymoon suit.

• I often come across master baths with champagne bottles and glasses. AOVID this.
• Home buyers will pay to buy homes where the bathrooms offer a spa feel where they can envision themselves relaxing and being pampered.
• Use orchids, plush and fluffy towels, some shells and star fish and an assortment of sponges to emphasize the upscale amenities. 
  
  

  Clean and tidy bathrooms are a must for any home for sale.

• Leave the champagne bottles and glasses for the Las Vegas honeymoon suites.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should be showcased as comfortable sanctuaries where home buyers can see themselves resting at the end of the day.

• Use attractive bedding with lovely and soft textures. An elegantly dressed bed will speak volumes about the lifestyle of the home to the home buyers.
• Headboards with matching or complimentary side tables and matching lamps are essential. Make sure the bedside lamps are proportional to the side tables.
• If there is space for an accent chair or the room has a lounge area, make sure to showcase it by adding a comfy chair or chaise. 

By following these steps, you will be successful in staging the lifestyle for your home and this will set you apart from your competition. And as I stated in the previous blog, this is when the SOLD sign goes up.