Everyday Home Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 32

STAGING TO SELL al and aesthetically pleasing way. If the kitchen has an unused desk area, set up that space as a computer space or family command center. A small butler’s pantry between a dining room and kitchen should be staged to draw attention so that visitors remember that special feature or “moment” in the home. Memory point created with art, silver, and fresh flowers If the bathroom countertop has a space underneath for an ottoman or chair, set up a vanity area with an attractive tray, vanity mirror, a tube of lipstick, and a little seat pulled out enough to be seen. Female buyers will remember the bathroom because of that memory point that was created. Every room should be staged in such a way that its purpose is clearly planted in the buyer’s memory after viewing. Empty rooms are not something buyers remember, nor are they able to accurately estimate the size of the room without the context of furniture. The purpose of an uncategorized room could be one of many things: an extra bedroom, den, hobby room, office, library, music room, exercise room, etc. Pick one purpose and go with it. Don’t confuse the buyer by making the room multi-purpose. Buyers will remember this room staged as an office While these tips and techniques will help you ready your home for the market, most homes benefit greatly from professional staging from a trained professional, and sell for more money in a quarter of the time as unstaged homes do. Seek out an experienced home stager in your area or learn as much about staging as possible before putting your property on the market. You can learn more about Kristie’s Psychological Staging™ techniques in her new book, Psychological Staging – The Home Secrets of The Decorologist, available on her website. 30 l Fall 2014