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If you have any questions or need more detailed information, please feel free to contact me via phone at 301.613.7253 or fill out the form to let us know how we can help with your real estate needs.

Office Location 795 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 613-7253
Fax: (301) 424-9290

Staging – What is it and why is it necessary?

Home staging is a big buzz word these days in Real Estate.  However, top agents have known for years that there is value in staging homes that are listed for sale.

Staging is when you create the image of space, light, and livability in a home listed for sale.  Think of staging in a play.  All the “staging” is designed to create a feeling.  In the same way, home staging is meant to create the feeling of home, warmth, belonging, etc. 

New home builders have always staged their homes with top-of-the-line furniture and staging materials (paintings, rugs, etc).  The staging creates an emotional response in a buyer and makes them sense what the home could be for them. 

Similarly, current homeowners can stage their homes as well.  It is not necessary to have top-of-the-line furnishings, but there are a few tips you can use to help you make the most of your space for potential buyers.

1)  Clean the clutter! Get rid of personal effects (pictures, extra knick knacks like magazines on the coffee table, etc)

2)  Arrange the furniture to create movement and space not simply for function of your family.  Remember you must make it feel livable for future residents.  You may have to store some furniture while your home is on the market.

3)  Make sure all main windows have window treatments (ie: blinds, drapes, sheers, etc.)  You can probably get away with sidelights and stair case windows just being open and bright.  Just be sure the areas like bedrooms are showing the availability of privacy.

4) use plants and keep them watered and healthy looking.

5)  Use artwork on the walls but use sparingly

6)  Clean daily and make sure you don’t miss those cobwebs – the buyers won’t miss them – they see everything!

7)  Keep bathrooms neat and put away all personal belongings daily.  Hang fresh towels and use potpourri

8)  If you have pets, try to use a candle or bake cookies to freshen the home.  If you have a strong odor, have the carpets and home professional cleaned to remove tough odors.

9)  Clean refrigerator and make sure that there are no odors of old food lingering

10) Keep closets tidy and all clothes hung neatly or in a hamper

11)  Hide wires from electronic equipment

More articles:

  • The decision to sell
  • The difference between a buyer's and a seller's market
  • Do I need a Realtor to sell my home?
  • Staging - what is it and why is it necessary?
  • Pricing it right is critical
  • What determines a home's value?
  • Marketing your home
  • What to expect after listing your home for sale
  • Home Improvements
  • What are disclosures?
  • Short sales, foreclosures, and bank-owned properties (or REO)
  • Lease options
  • Offers
  • Multiple bids
  • What is a seller subsidy?
  • Negotiating offers
  • Now that you have a contract on you home
  • What should I expect at settlement?
  • Flip or Rental?! Watch the Change! (My latest investment property)

    See the video below of 505 Ellrose Court!

    http://freedomstudios.com/505EllroseCourt

    What is the Obama administration's newest attempt at hedging future foreclosures? Hafa video!

    mortgage_300

    Only a few short years ago, even Real Estate Agents did not know what a short sale was!  My, how things have changed... 

    Banks have estimated that the majority of short sales will have been processed by 2014.  More than 1 in 4 of all homes are now backed my mortgages that are worth more than the collateral that secures them: the homes themselves! 

    The Department of the Treasury recently put out a new progam called HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative), which should make things more standardized...

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