The importance of staging

By Elizabeth Hanson The Callan Team Recently I listed, staged and sold a condo in less than five days. In addition to that, I received two off ers on the property the same day. Although it had been on the market for 500+ days with another realty company, it had failed to sell, not because of price, because we priced it exactly the same as the other company, but because it had been left vacant for nearly two years. With the sellers' permission, I staged the condo in under two hours.

A simple card table with linen that enhanced the color of the creamy walls, some exciting seasonal place settings and glassware in a contrasting tone, dried flower arrangements with similar shades of color from the rug, wood floor, and countertop, a pair of watercolors over the fireplace, and a plain upholstered bench struck an entirely diff erent tone. Minimal "decorating" was done in the bedrooms and bathrooms, but again it was color that popped out and said, "Hey, look at me."

Not all realtors off er their decorating services to their customers, but we do, at no extra cost to the seller. We will develop a whole house plan so your property will show its best. We identify key elements in your home, select a color scheme and appealing furnishings (often we use what the seller already has; in this case, we supplied furnishings), advice on flooring materials, fabric materials, color coordinating small objects with the bigger picture, and we emphasize any architectural features of the home. In selling a home "less is more" in terms of decorating, and just by packing up a few things (you'll be moving anyway!) a seller can achieve the uncluttered look which is so appealing to buyers.

Much of a sellers' stress comes from being overwhelmed by what details need to be tended to before putting their home on the market, so why not use the experienced eye of a Realtor who goes the extra step and "stages" your home as part of their services? When you use Independent Real Estate Group, you'll get experience, enthusiasm, and extra help in putting your home up for sale! Call Elizabeth Hanson at 508-864-1012. Elizabeth Hanson The Callan Team Independent Real Estate Group 508-864-1012 cell www.Mass-Homes.net