Once my house was beautifully staged and had put on its "best face," the next step was making sure people saw it! These are the steps I took to ensure that my home had many visitors and that I made the most of each visit:
• What I did: I determined that every time someone was going to see the house, whether it be other realtors or buyers, they would have yummy treats and made to feel welcome. Whether it be cookies, muffins, juice, soda-- whatever can be put out on a pretty plate with matching paper cups and napkins makes buyers want to stay and enjoy your home.
• Buyers' response: They were thrilled and so were their agents. After touring many homes on a hot, sunny day, they loved those refreshments! And later found out I was the only one to have snacks for them!
• What I did: The two dogs and the cat were packed up and taken for a ride during every showing. Most people do not have pets, therefore I cannot expect them to feel at home with mine. All evidence of them (bowls, bedding, etc.) was hidden away.
• Buyers' response: They were shocked when they realized we did have pets. All they saw was a clean, well-kept home.
• What I did: I created a feeling of a serene, comfortable, home. Soft music played in the living room and master bedroom. Everything was in place. The buyers had no idea of the mad scramble to catch the cat, or that the nervous dog with the bladder problem had an accident, there was a large party the day before, the laundry that didn't get done, or the coffee that spilled!
• Buyers' response: The feedback was, "I feel such a sense of peace in this house!" and "Phenomenal!" Overwhelmingly, the buyers loved it.
• What I did: I never, ever turned down a showing! Never! Even if it was last minute, I made it work by asking them to give me one hour. On the weekends, the house was always ready-- just in case, since that is the time when most people are out looking. And open houses? YES! Did them too!
• Buyers' response: They were able to see the house on their schedule. In fact, the buyers who ended up buying the house, also visited the open house the next day. The house's availability to them was most important in their final decision!
The Results:
Of the last four showings, we had four offers; the accepted offer was just over asking price! In a local market that is riddled with short sales and foreclosures, and houses that are just languishing, this house easily sold! Was it worth all the craziness and work to get it ready? Absolutely! In fact, I have watched our competition continue to sit on the market . Why didn't they stage? I don't know-- but I'm glad they didn't!
Kitchen Before (from previous owners) Kitchen After Staging
Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ. She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years. In 2007, she formed Rose-Colored Staging to help sellers market their homes with professional home staging.
Michele ~ Your tips are excellent and also prove that the extra steps you took to ensure a good "showing" paid off handsomely. Congrats on the sale!
Michele, the proof is right here in your blog post. I get so frustrated when agents say "they (the sellers) won't keep it up...afterall they live there". Serious sellers will keep it up. Are they the exception, probably but their houses also SELL. I did the same as you with our last house. Was it a pain sometimes, yes but IMO it had to be done. Congratulations on doing it right and getting the big pay-off!
Great job! You went the extra mile (what we're always asking our sellers to do) and it paid off! Congrats!
Michele-Congrats on showing what staging and diligence can do! I remember when my houses have been on the market and I hated it!!! But at the same time, it was kind of nice having everything in place for once! I may have mentioned this in your previous post ( so forgive me) but everytime we showed our house I'd have to lift my blind brittany spaniel into my car and go for a long drive with her. But it all pays off in the end. You've had a great series.
Thanks Maureen, it was a lot of work but when those offers started coming in, it was all worth it!
Ginger: We can never assume that the buyers will not keep it up! You're right, if a buyer is really motivated to sell their house, they will do whatever they can to get it done. Now we can say we know it can be done-- because we did it and it worked!
Thanks Annie! Closing is tomorrow-- yay!
Kathy: From your picture you look too little to be hefting a dog up into the car! LOL! I can imagine THAT struggle! My little terrier is only 27lbs and fortunately still jumps in by herself! It really is so much easier to tell our clients what needs to be done when we can say, "I did it and I understand." Closing is tomorrow! Now that I've just moved into the new house this week and it looks like a bomb hit it, I'm longing for the lovely simplicity of the staged home! Can't wait to get the new house in order! :-)
Wonderful job and perfect follow-up. Staging in an occupied home comes with maintenance. The fact that the buyers and Realtors didn't even realize pets lived there says a lot about your efforts!
Michele- bet you have your home in order by next week!! It is easier to talk "staging" when we've had to go through the whole "showing" and decluttering process ourselves. Enjoy your new home!
Great job hiding all your pets from all the potential buyers. Offering a snack or a simple bottle of water, is such a nice gesture, I am surprised it is not done more often. Your kitchen looks so much better with the glass insert cabinets too.
Your idea of providing the refreshments was great and buyers need those positives to remember after they've left. You deserve your quick sale--over asking price, too. It really does happen!
Thanks Kate! We couldn't afford to change out the cabinets completely and didn't want to lose the storage by tearing down that middle section. They blocked SO much light! Once painted and the glass was added, it was a new room.
Cathy: I really am surprised that more people do not leave out snacks for their visitors! It's simple and really makes a difference. Thanks!