There are 3 Things Sellers Should Do Before Listing – #3. Decluttering, Styling, or Staging!
There are 3 different routes you can take when preparing the actual furnishings in your home. While at least 1 of these items is going to be required, they all have different outcomes. I will go over the options below, as well as show some examples of why it is really important.
- Decluttering: This is the minimum that needs to be done when listing your home. Decluttering also includes taking down all personal photos, memorabilia, and unnecessary hanging items. When selling your home, remember less is more. All counter tops, including the kitchen, should have very limited items out. 1-2 decorative pieces in each area is great, but too much will come off as cluttered. This is also true for all tables and TV stands. Shelves should be limited to a few items and be organized.
- Styling: This is when we bring a professional designer in to help with decluttering and decorating. They will go through your home and make recommendations. They will also work with as much of your existing furniture as possible, while adding some trendy decorative items, changing out throw pillows, putting up new art, and removing any items they feel aren’t right for the space. This is essentially a version of staging but meant for property that will be occupied during the sale process. It makes a very big difference in the overall presentation of a home. I have provided a couple before and after photos below from real projects our stylist worked on.
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- Staging: This is the preferred route when the option is available to sellers, but it doesn’t always fit into everyone’s plans. Staging typically requires the property to be vacant, meaning no one is living there. Even if you find a stager that will allow someone to use the property while their furniture is in the home, that would mean the seller would need to get all of their stuff out. Well staged homes tend to get significantly more money because it makes a great first impression. There is a reason developers have model homes. They wouldn’t spend tens of thousands of dollars creating these spaces if it wasn’t a great investment.
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Decluttering, styling, or staging is one of the most important steps you can taking in preparing your home. It may sound like a lot of work but we try to make the selling process as easy as possible. Through our Compass Concierge program, Compass will front the money for the styling/staging and our team can handle coordinating the vendors and overseeing the project. There aren’t any added fees or interest to the money borrowed from Compass. The dollar for dollar amount the vendors charged will be deducted from your proceeds to reimburse Compass. Click here if you want to learn more about Compass Concierge. The only finger you will need to lift would be to sign the form to approve the work.
And Always Remember, It Matters Who You Work With!
Contact me
for more information
Ryan Ponce - REALTOR®
DRE# 01902950
(619) 228-6790
Ryan@livingthesandiegolife.com
Compass
