How to decide which home stager to hire.There are no required or official credentials to become a home stager.
That being said, a few things to keep in mind;
make sure you see before and after pictures of projects or rooms they have worked on,
check out all references and look for testimonials, and
what experience do they have?
Interview the Home Stager by phone and see if you feel comfortable with them;
do they seem confident about their business,
do they have any success stories,
can they provide furnishings for staging if needed?
A few tips on steps YOU can take
before hiring a stager.Walk through your home and try to see it as a buyer would.
Is the outside neat, with all trash cans, toys, hoses and garden equipment hidden from view?
Is the lawn neat and mowed with all weeds trimmed?
A bright colorful door mat can add a welcoming atmosphere to your front door.
Is the entry way well lighted and free from clutter?
Are all personal effects packed away . . .toys, photos, personal mementos, books, papers, etc.?
Are all rooms well lighted? Dark rooms can seem uninviting and cramped.
Are there any minor repairs that need fixing?
Do carpets need cleaning?
Are windows sparkling clean?
Remember, a buyer decides within the first 30 seconds
if a house is right for them and much of their decision
is based on whether they can picture themselves
living in your home!!!
A few other general tips and ideas.
Sometimes the seller will want to use their own furnishings,
and the stager can consult with them on how to reduce clutter,
open up rooms more.
Remove all magnets,artwork, clutter off of the refrigerator,
remove any stacks of paper on your desk, hall table,kitchen table
or any surface where mail and paper clutter is piled up.
Also, having a professional house cleaning service come in and do a thorough
once-over is almost always well worth the cost.The same is true for a
pressure wash outside.Eliminate all clutter. Homes look bigger and more stylish without any clutter.
Fresh paint can make a real difference. Use a color that will appeal to the greatest number of people.
You may prefer something bolder or outrageous for yourself, but when selling a house,
neutral-colored interior paints work best.Replace any worn carpets or other flooring. If you have floors that are very worn
have them replaced or refinished and this will return many times the cost
and sells the home much faster.Be very observant of your window coverings.
Often no covering at all works well as this creates an open and airy feeling.
Make sure there are no unpleasant pet or cooking odors.
Cigarette smoke is particularly offensive,even to smokers.
Never make the mistake of using heavy sprays and candles to cover odors.
It doesn't work and some people have allergies
to them. The last thing you want is your house making people feel sick.Check out the effects of your lighting, even during the day.
You want to make to make the home as bright as possible.
painted, made minor repairs;
it's all about dressing the house for sale.
Indianapolis, Indiana
317-405-8615
beth@stagedwithflair.com
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