Home Staging

Supply and demand in the real estate market plays a big role in the length of time that a house remains on the market. Statistics show that the longer a house remains for sale the lower the selling price will be.

For example, a house that sells after 5 weeks on the market may sell for 6% to 10% less than one which sells in the first week. This negative correlation prompts the need for home sellers to have a competetive advantage in the selling market. They need to attract the greatest number of potential home buyers and get offers to buy fast.

Unlike interior decorating, staging or preparing a house for sale is an objective process. A staging professional can facilitate this process by viewing the home through the home buyer's eyes and offer recommendations which will make the home more appealing to a wider array of prospective buyers.

The cost of home staging is a relatively inexpensive investment compared to the potential increase in revenue gained by a fast sale. In the 2007 Home Gain Survey of over 2,000 real estate agents, for example, cleaning and decluttering the home costs $190.00 - $318.00 increased the sale price by $1505.00 - $1937.00. Painting interior space costs $651.00 - $920.00 increased sale price by $1741.00 - $2179.00.

Grand Entrance offers a complete home staging service to real estate agents and home sellers. A consultation typically requires two hours. At that time concerns are addressed and written recommendations are provided. These may include interior colour and furniture placement suggestions, establishing focal points, decluttering and editing suggestions, as well as inexpensive update options and input on minor repairs and neutralizing space. When time is an issue, Grand Entrance has a team in place to implement the home staging plan.

Home Staging Tips

Edit and depersonalize the space - Pack away personal knickknacks and family pictures. The buyer is buying your house not your possessions.

Clean and declutter - Upon entering the house, too much clutter and chaos makes it difficult for the potential buyer to visualize their possessions in your space. Thoroughly cleaning before house showings leaves a fresh scent and the impression of a cared for house.

Accentuate positive aspects of the house - Through the creative use of focal points and lighting, the home buyer can be directed to the positive elements of the home and away from the negative ones.

Light up the space - Open shades and blinds to make the house look bright, cheery and welcoming.

Neutralize the space - By painting rooms in neutral and harmonizing hues, any potential buyer can visualize their furnishings in the house. Generally, warm monochromatic schemes are appreciated by everyone.

Repair damaged flooring and clean carpets

Modulate space - Convey the mood of open and airy or warm and cozy by using furniture placement, empty space and colour.

Repurpose unused rooms - Statistics show that only 10% of buyers can visualize the potential of a house. Furnishing unused spaces as computer rooms or guest bedrooms implies more useable space in the house.

Don't forget the entrance - Declutter and clear away shoes, boots and coats. When warranted, a fresh coat of paint in a warm hue can welcome a potential buyer.

Use subdued scents - Don't overpower the house with strong perfumes and air fresheners. It's best to utilize subtle scents like fresh flowers.

Curb appeal - Clean exterior doors and windows. Manicured lawns and pots of fresh, living flowers near the walkway and entrance gives a great first impression even before entering the house.

Prioritize the list of things to do - Concentrate on the rooms and areas which the potential buyer will see first.

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