Designed to Sell
DESIGNED TO SELL Danielle LaPorte, co-owner, Staging Vancouver The objectives of staging, preparing a home for potential buyers are simple: to sell fast, and to sell high. Staging a home is a lot like throwing a party, you clear the clutter, light the lights, and set the mood. Your guests are potential buyers, and good ambience translates into a great sale. Stage and start high A well staged home immediately increases the value of any residence and allows you to set your asking price higher from the get-go. One of our most market-savvy clients, a photographer for design magazines, called us in to stage her two bedroom condo in Vancouvers high-end Kitsilano neighbourhood. It sold in two days, in a bidding war for $5000 over the asking price. The market was hot, so one might think this a fair return. But considering that the identical unit next door sold three months prior for $40,000 less, these results are fabulous. With contemporary furnishings, good space flow, and high-end artwork, the staged unit looked the part and demanded 20% more than the neighboring property. Don't drop your price, stage! We're often called in to stage properties that have been sitting on the market for a number of months. Dropping the asking price can be a red flag for potential buyers. Staging is a smart and effective alternative to price reduction. Often, for the same amount of money as a price decrease, the residence can be staged to attract buyers. It also creates another occasion for an open house, allowing you to let viewers know that the house has had recent interior design work. The asking price stays fixed and buyers are impressed, the right look, new eyes, equals a sold home. In any market, it pays to stage When the market's hot, a picture perfect home generates healthy bidding. In slower markets, a staged space creates the inspiration and impetus for buyers to make an offer. Staging is all about helping buyers visualize themselves in the new space. It's part art creating warmth and neutralizing the environment through furniture arrangement and accessories. And it's part science using design techniques to save costs while adding value. When it's done right, staging positively influences the psychology of the sale. Designers motivate As the experts in design and showcasing, stagers can often say to home sellers what realtors can't. With diplomacy and authority, we inspire clients to box up the knickknacks, put their cherished lazy boy in storage, and trim down the kids toys. A core part of our customer relations is helping home sellers get clear on what matters most for interior and curb appeal. Staging is not about design trends or personal taste, it's about strategic visual impact.No matter what the buying and selling climate is, an Open House is one of the most important parties you can throw, it always pays to look your best.