Your real estate agent may suggest that your home will show better if you do some “staging” before listing it for sale.

What staging means is that you allow someone else to set up the furniture, lighting and accessories in your home for the benefit of the prospective buyers who will be looking at the property.

Staging differs from interior decorating, in which home accessories are chosen and permanently installed to suit the tastes and preferences of the homeowner. Staging is done with the targeted pool of buyers in mind, and designed to last only until the home is sold. The term “staging” suggests a theater set, and that’s close to defining the concept.

One of the goals of home staging is to “neutralize” the home, to make its style and arrangement appealing to the average buyer for a specific neighborhood and price range. Part of the process is to remove the highly personal touches that have made your house uniquely your home. It’s far easier for the home stager than the homeowner to do this objectively.

Stataging Strategies

Prospective sellers are often unaware that a few key improvements can shorten the selling time of their homes and add to the sale price.

A marketing strategy that includes “staging” will help you reach those goals.

When you stage a home, you give buyers the opportunity to envision themselves living there. A professional stager will set up your house so that it shows like a model home. But you don’t have to be a staging expert to employ artful techniques to make your home look its best.

Start with fresh paint in light, neutral colors that complement the flooring and the window coverings.

Purchase new luxurious towels and matching rugs for the bathroom and use your best linens in the bedroom.

Clean and simple is best. Shampoo the carpets.

Put worn or shabby furniture in storage.

Remove personal items that clutter up counters or dresser tops, and replace them with flower arrangements and healthy plants.

Staging your home for success will reduce the market time and yield a higher price for your home!