How to Stage an Occupied Home

If you’re eager to put your home on the market, but you’re finding it difficult to stage amidst the uniqueness of your space, these tips are sure to make this process a breeze.

Keep the color

So, you’re hesitant on going the neutral route, which is the popular choice for professional stagers, but in this market, buyers are open to alternatives. Unless your home is totally out there, color wise, you can neutralize it with accessories, pillows, throws, and sometimes artwork.

Declutter

Whether you’re doing a full-blown staging job or just a quick set up, decluttering is the key to all staging projects. Take it down to the bare necessities then build it back up. I mean clear the counters, put away all the pillows, accessories, photos etc. Then reintroduce it to each room as you go thru the home. Not only will this help you to purge unwanted items (kind of like pre-moving task) it will help you see it as a buyer would.

All this stuff

Hmm, just put it in the garage, is probably the most often said phrase when it comes to what to do with all this stuff. Well, I have to tell you I’ve been in many homes, from small one bedroom condos, to six bedroom estates on the coast of California, and the one thing that always caught my attention was the garage, did they bother to finish it, was it stuffed to the rafters, did it feel cluttered, and if the answers was yes, it made me and my buyers think about the rest of the home, did they take care of it. My suggestion is to get a storage unit and use it, it will help you prestart packing, and while at it, clean up the garage, give it some paint if possible, organize it, you’ll thank me later when you get that unbelievable offer.

Come on in

When buyers enter your home, it is as if they are stepping thru threshold into another world, and what the world will be like depends on how you present it. The entry space to your home whether it be a small hallway or grand foyer, should feel welcoming. You can accomplish this by making sure there is no clutter, shoes, worn out welcome mats etc. lying around, do things like adding plug-ins (go for a subtle scent like white linen) to give a nice air about it, and or plants to show life and greenery.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who has the biggest house of all

Ever go to a fun house and all the mirrors they use? You’re like where does this place end, it looks like it goes on forever, well you can do the same in some aspect to your home. Mirrors when placed strategically, can give you that illusion of the home appearing larger, brighter, and even inviting. Look for areas like stairwells, opposite windows, or place on the wall that is furthest from the entry. The goal is to capture the persons eye as they pass by, which will give them the feeling of space, brightness, and belonging (everyone loves seeing themselves even if it’s in a passing glance).

These are just a few pointers to help you get started, and I always say hiring a professional stager and real estate agent is a must when it comes to selling your most prized asset. They have the experience, and vested interest in your success, which is ultimately will be their success too.

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