Staging was created right here in The Pacific NW by real estate innovator, Barb Schwarz, of StagedHomes.com. It is quickly becoming the industry standard as more and more sellers are utilizing this powerful marketing tool, and for good reason! The statistics speak for themselves: staged homes sell quicker and for more money than their non-staged counterparts.
The Psychology of Staging
For many, the notion of selling a home is quite intimidating. After all, it’s essentially inviting the public to come in and scrutinize your personal space. Staging turns that personal space - your home - into a competitive product on the market. It's important to understand that these are two very different entities.
For many, the notion of selling a home is quite intimidating. After all, it’s essentially inviting the public to come in and scrutinize your personal space. Staging turns that personal space - your home - into a competitive product on the market. It's important to understand that these are two very different entities.
The way we live in a home, and the way we market and sell your house are two different things. Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging
The Concept of Neutralizing
Your home is special because it features items that have meaning to YOU – your personal possessions, family pictures, collectibles...These things make it feel cozy and good. But, these are the very things you don’t want to showcase when selling your home. In fact, I call them equity-eaters. Here’s why:
Buyers are looking for a place to make their home, and obvious signs that somebody else is living in a space are distracting. It takes the focus off of the house and on to your possessions.
Don’t take it personally, but buyers viewing your home don’t want to even feel your presence, as it inhibits the process of emotionally connecting to it. I often use this analogy: imagine going on a date with somebody who has great qualities and seems interested, but constantly brings up their ex. Doesn't feel so warm and fuzzy! It sends the message that they're not really emotionally available, and negates any chance of a personal bond forming.
Another reason to put things away is that buyers can be nosy. They don’t mean to be...but, hey! Humans are naturally curious. A buyer touring a property filled with personal artifacts almost immediately switches from home-buying mode to what-can-I-find-out-about-the-person-who-lives-here mode. Once this happens, you’ve lost them.
Creating an Idyllic Space
A good stager knows how to create an idyllic space that’s just a notch or two above what a prospective buyer may currently live in. This paints the picture of a romanticized version of their current life if they were to buy and live in your home. Cultivating this sweet spot is tricky, as it must not be overdone.
The goal is not to impress the prospective buyer with flashy runway flair, but entice them with a desirable lifestyle. In other words, we want them to fall in love with – not admire – the space. Admiration is an emotion one feels from afar for something that cannot be obtained. But when a prospective buyer falls in love with your home, they must make it theirs.
Feng Shui and Staging
What is Feng Shui, and how does it tie into staging? Simply put, feng shui is the art and science of living in harmony with the environment, focusing on creating balanced living spaces with the earth's 5 elements - fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.
Staging with feng shui techniques elevates the property's visual, physical, and emotional energy – bumping your home’s appeal to another level! The beauty is undeniable, but it's the unseen energy that creates the excitement. It draws you in, and exudes a feeling of balance and positive energy.
I am a certified feng shui stager, and you can see (and feel) the difference in my work. Come take a look for yourself!
Your home is special because it features items that have meaning to YOU – your personal possessions, family pictures, collectibles...These things make it feel cozy and good. But, these are the very things you don’t want to showcase when selling your home. In fact, I call them equity-eaters. Here’s why:
Buyers are looking for a place to make their home, and obvious signs that somebody else is living in a space are distracting. It takes the focus off of the house and on to your possessions.
Don’t take it personally, but buyers viewing your home don’t want to even feel your presence, as it inhibits the process of emotionally connecting to it. I often use this analogy: imagine going on a date with somebody who has great qualities and seems interested, but constantly brings up their ex. Doesn't feel so warm and fuzzy! It sends the message that they're not really emotionally available, and negates any chance of a personal bond forming.
Another reason to put things away is that buyers can be nosy. They don’t mean to be...but, hey! Humans are naturally curious. A buyer touring a property filled with personal artifacts almost immediately switches from home-buying mode to what-can-I-find-out-about-the-person-who-lives-here mode. Once this happens, you’ve lost them.
Creating an Idyllic Space
A good stager knows how to create an idyllic space that’s just a notch or two above what a prospective buyer may currently live in. This paints the picture of a romanticized version of their current life if they were to buy and live in your home. Cultivating this sweet spot is tricky, as it must not be overdone.
The goal is not to impress the prospective buyer with flashy runway flair, but entice them with a desirable lifestyle. In other words, we want them to fall in love with – not admire – the space. Admiration is an emotion one feels from afar for something that cannot be obtained. But when a prospective buyer falls in love with your home, they must make it theirs.
Feng Shui and Staging
What is Feng Shui, and how does it tie into staging? Simply put, feng shui is the art and science of living in harmony with the environment, focusing on creating balanced living spaces with the earth's 5 elements - fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.
Staging with feng shui techniques elevates the property's visual, physical, and emotional energy – bumping your home’s appeal to another level! The beauty is undeniable, but it's the unseen energy that creates the excitement. It draws you in, and exudes a feeling of balance and positive energy.
I am a certified feng shui stager, and you can see (and feel) the difference in my work. Come take a look for yourself!
For Realtors
Do you have a client who believes that they don’t have to do a thing prior to going on the market? I sincerely believe that it is our duty as professionals to educate home sellers about the benefits of staging. Otherwise, they're leaving money on the table.
Let’s partner up, and include me in your listing presentation. I have the natural ability to teach your client how to see their home through a potential buyer’s eye, educate them on what needs to be done and most importantly, get them to do it! For a small investment in a staging consultation, your listing will show beautifully and I’ll make you look like a rock star!
Tip: A staging consultation also makes a fantastic thank you gift for your buyers! I’ll help them get settled in their new home, and they will love you for it!
Ask me about discounts available to my network of realtors.
Do you have a client who believes that they don’t have to do a thing prior to going on the market? I sincerely believe that it is our duty as professionals to educate home sellers about the benefits of staging. Otherwise, they're leaving money on the table.
Let’s partner up, and include me in your listing presentation. I have the natural ability to teach your client how to see their home through a potential buyer’s eye, educate them on what needs to be done and most importantly, get them to do it! For a small investment in a staging consultation, your listing will show beautifully and I’ll make you look like a rock star!
Tip: A staging consultation also makes a fantastic thank you gift for your buyers! I’ll help them get settled in their new home, and they will love you for it!
Ask me about discounts available to my network of realtors.