DIY: Home Staging September 2
According to S&P/Case-Schiller quarterly index the housing market has not declined this quickly for the past twenty years. Across the nation home prices fell, on average 3.2%. The LA Times report had good news for one region… “By comparison, the Pacific Northwest was strong, with prices rising 7.9% in Seattle and 4.5% in Portland.”
Here in Oregon, where I live, houses are still selling… just more slowly. We’re in a Buyer’s Market (meaning the buyers have the majority of power). When you’re selling in that sort of climate it’s critical that you have “the best house at the best price.”*
Most often judiciously improving a home is money well spent. It’s like going on a date; you want to look your best. For a house on the market it’s like a series of first dates… and the first impression is everything for a house buyer. But in this case one of those dates needs to result in a commitment.
You’ll want to put your best foot forward. I think that it’s a matter of removing objections; i.e. like the hot pink bathroom, soiled or worn carpeting or chipped laminate. Details like those will leave a bad image, and may feel insurmountable to homebuyers. **
I regularly work with people readying their homes for market. One thing that is consistently true: it’s really hard to be objective about our own homes. The beloved details that we’ve added are, in many cases, so personal that they appear to be quirky to a set of new eyes. And the joy of living in our homes blinds us to worn materials and outdated design.
My two-hour appointment is just the right amount of time for most people with DIY skills.
In that time I can help you find some updated color choices, and identify some decorating tricks that’ll give your house a facelift. I often have time to give you some staging advice as well.
*A trusted real estate broker/friend says that her biggest concern these days is the people who set unrealistic price goals for a home. “Price adjustments can send a negative impression to the purchasers, who may want even lower prices.”
**This is especially true for first time homebuyers who may feel overwhelmed by the down payment and moving costs.
Rachel -Staged Makeovers Sep 5
Homes in Ohio are sitting on the market forever (at least it seems that way). Getting Realtors and homeowners to stage in this market with some of the country’s most affordable houses is not easy. Homeowners have trouble understanding the importance of putting a little time and money into preparing their home when they are moving out of it. Would they rather have their home sit on the market and pay two mortgages… or take advice that would bring them a quick sale and a profit? I know which one I would choose!
Ed Apr 11
It seems the housing problem has gone global. Although there are buyers, the days of buying a place and doing it up to sell seem to be forgotten. So to put a lick of paint through your house before selling makes sense, and if it doesn’t sell, well at least you live in a newly decorated house!