Shannon Kramer, Austin Real Estate

Stage to Sell

Maximize your home’s value with these tips to Prepare you for Staging Your Home

Stage to Perfection

We’ve all seen it. The HGTV show where the Stager swoops in and within what seems like minutes, a property is transformed into what looks like a model home. Seems kind of exciting to have someone come in and decorate for you doesn’t it? Not so fast…staging a home is far from decorating. It can be a lot of work. It can be emotional. It can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of having your home professionally staged before selling.

Keep in mind…

We are NOT decorating

We are removing distractions and maximizing your home’s potential to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Suggestions are purposeful and are not intended to decorate – but based on data that will help the property photograph showcasing all the right features.

You are moving

You are moving so go ahead and start packing! Yes, that is a beautiful vase that reminds you of grandma, but if the Stager thinks it adds to the clutter, pack it up – it will look just as great in your next home. Not to mention, the more you pack now, the easier it will be when the property sells.

Help the buyer BUY

We want a buyer to see themselves in the home – not see YOU in the home. Remove personal items such as personal photos, pet items, and daily clutter that feels “lived in”. If a buyer sees dirty laundry, dishes, or toothpaste in the sink – they will feel more like an intruder than a buyer.

Prepare ahead of time

The Stager has a small window of time so get the most out of the time together by doing a few things before the appointment.

Make some space

Create a designated area where the Stager can place items that will be removed. Have boxes or bins to separate items into pack away/donate/sell/dispose categories to stay organized throughout the process.

Be ready to work

The Stager works fast and efficiently. She isn’t there to organize your items or de-clutter for you. She will be moving your belongings around, rearranging furniture, re-hanging artwork and providing additional suggestions after her visit. Be ready to participate. The more hands we have, the more you can accomplish during her visit!

Detach

These are your personal belongings. The things you love to be surrounded by. And we are telling you they have to go. This can be difficult. Try to detach yourself as much as possible and remember that you are moving so you will either pack it up now or scramble to pack it all right before closing day. 

What To expect…

You have homework

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither is a staged home. We knock out the basics, but it is up to the Seller to complete the job after we leave. 

Tornado

When the Stager is done, the house will be in chaos so don’t host a dinner party that night. You may have piles of items you will be removing and you’ll have a list of to-do’s. Remember – staging is not intended to decorate your home. It is designed to help optimize the sale of your home.

Emotions

It can be an overwhelming, exhausting, and emotional day. If there are items you do not want moved, let us know ahead of time and we will take that into consideration at the appointment.