New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.
I understand that dealing with years of accumulation can be overwhelming for you. But, think about how overwhelming it is for potential buyers to have to look past all your stuff. You at least have a sentimental attachment to the stuff. If you want buyers to consider making your house their new home, you need to remove all evidence of you and your family.
If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.
Previous Tips:
Tip #1 Update Lighting Fixtures
Tip #2 Identify Red Flags
Tip #3 Pre-Pack Your Stuff
It is more commonly known as decluttering. Supposedly, sellers know they have to "declutter" and yet, the evidence says otherwise. The mistake most sellers make is in determining what constitutes clutter. They either don't remove enough or they remove too much, leaving the house cold and vacant.
For best results, hire a professional home stager to tell you what needs to go.
If you intend to prepare your house for sale without professional help, here are some suggestions on reducing some of your clutter. Remember...you have to deal with this stuff when you move anyways, and if you deal with it sooner instead of later...it can help you sell the house.
CLOSETS Pre-packing all off-season clothing, shoes, and accessories will make the closets appear larger.
KITCHEN Pre-packing all dishes, cookware, and glassware that isn't used daily will make the cabinets appear more spacious.
COLLECTIONS Having your collections on display is distracting. Pre-pack them so buyers are looking at the house, not your memorabilia.
PHOTOGRAPHS Your goal is to make the house warm, inviting and appealing without any evidence of who actually lives there.
RELIGIOUS & POLITICAL ITEMS We want all buyers to feel welcome and at home here.
This study was so cluttered with the sellers photographs and collectables, buyers couldn't appreciate the details of the room.
This living room obviously belongs to someone...a family is living here and their "stuff" is everywhere. Once the evidence of the family is removed, you can appreciate the room and it's features.
This dining hutch was cluttered with too much glassware. The glassware was prepacked and plates were used for a cleaner and more dramatic look.
Stay tuned for Tip #4
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Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast
Portsmouth Rye Greenland Hampton North Hampton Exeter Dover Stratham
603.661.8524
Thanks for the post - I thought all your points were very productive.
made me smile -- I didn't even no there was a firplace in the 1st of the secord set of photos! You are too good!
Jennifer: Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful!
Karen: Thank you, I'm glad I made you smile!
I couldn't agree more. What a difference it makes in all your before and afters's.
People just can't see past the "stuff" it's way too overwhelming.
I especially like the shoot of the lounge chair ... I just what to dive into that chair! Well done.
Sharon - You have the magic touch as evidenced by these before and after pictures.
Congratulations. Your post is being featured in the group Staging Before & After Pictures.
Kathy
Great post Sharon. Clutter just destroys a picture. Makes you feel kind of suffocated. Wish all sellers could read your post and GET IT!
Oh yes, excellent visuals with the photos Sharon !!!
Great tips :o)
Your photos show just how important it is to declutter a house and stage it properly.
Liz: Thank you! It would be nice to sit in that chair and read for a little while!
Kathy: Thank you, I appreciate it!
Lori: "Suffocated" is a great way to describe it! Thanks.
Sheldon: I appreciate it!
Christine: Thank you! Now we just need sellers to realize the benefit.
Sharon- such a good point to make and you made it well. I'm with Karen, I didn't even see the fireplace in living room "Before" photo.
Kathy: I would have chosen another paint color, to compliment the fireplace more, but the sellers wouldn't paint.
Sharon You certainly are an authority on the subject of staging Karen
Sharon ~ THANK YOU for removing the lacy doily on the dining table too! I do the same as you do in existing hutches -- recommend removing the glassware in favor of simple plates. Recently a client looked at me in horror and said "but that's my favorite Waterford!" We ended up laughing because I have the same Waterford glassware but explained it's just not adding any color to the room. I think she got it. Good tips here!
Karen: I am certainly starting to finally feel like one, lol! Thanks so much for the nice comment!
Maureen: You are so welcome! Sellers usually do "get it" with a little further explanation. But sometimes, it takes more explaining than it should.
Great tips and series Sharon. The photos really make an impact. This would be such a great tool to give to our sellers.
Lee and Carol: Thanks, I appreciate it. Photos always help sellers to better understand...it's my weapon of choice!
Really great blog article-and your photos really tell the story! Getting packed is one step ahead of being ready for the offers. Love the paint in the office-WOW that is sure a lot of bang for the buck!
Cathy: Thank you, you are right, it's all part of being ready to move!
I always pick up something valuable from your great posts, thanks!
Janna: Good to hear! Thanks!