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Get your Asking Price – or More
If you are thinking about putting your house on the
market now and hope to sell, move and get settled as quickly as possible
- home owners take note. The average buyer has little imagination when
it comes to projecting themselves into a resale home. Even though you
spent countless hours painting and decorating for yourselves it means
little to the young couple viewing your home. They may enjoy a cursory
glance at your novels and the cute family snapshots adorning the walls.
They may be awed by your china and crystal collection. But it will
never feel like their home. They won’t be able to get past your
personal style. You want them to feel at ease, welcomed and able to
imagine themselves living there.
Real estate agents know the importance of de-cluttering
and de-personalizing and they’ll be the first to tell you so if they
list your house on the market. Many of them use a redesigner (or home
stager) or can recommend one to review their listings. Redesigners
enhance a home’s appearance and create broad appeal, adjusting
everything from furniture layout to interior colours. In a competitive
real estate market, the small investment in these services has shown
dramatic payback both in terms of average selling times and more
importantly higher selling prices.
Most buyers will develop an opinion about a house within
the first 60 seconds. Sometimes that opinion is formed by the
appearance of the contents of the house. If you have ever been inside a
model home, you have seen the impact of professional design.
Redesigners create the same feel using your existing furniture and
accessories.
Redesign consultants can also assist you in preparing the
house yourself. Many will provide a written report or “to-do” list for
you to follow step by step. They offer an objective view by putting
themselves in the position of a buyer. Redesigners will apply a
portfolio of techniques to assess your home and let you know what is
standing in the way of making a great first impression. Aside from all
the little things, it’s important to redefine your rooms. Make sure
that the living room actually looks like a living room. If you have
kids, chances are they’ve taken over the entire house. Toys and video
games don’t make a great first impression. What about the dining room?
With hectic schedules and take out food, chances are you’ve got a
laptop, bills and homework piled up. Clear the table and just pretend
that fine dining actually takes place in the dining room. Have you got
a piece of trim missing or a crack in the wall that has been there so
long you don’t even see it anymore? You can bet a buyer will see it
right away.
Once the obvious issues are addressed, the furnishings
can be artfully arranged to create intimate conversation areas and focal
points that highlight the architectural selling features of the house.
Strive for a balance between an elegant, uncluttered look while
maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sure it’s difficult, but as soon as that FOR SALE sign
goes up on the lawn you must start thinking of your home as “just a
house”. You have to start the packing process anyway, so why not edit
and eliminate your possessions at this stage of the game. You’ll save
valuable time if you only pack what you really intend to move.
A staged home sells faster – and you deserve top dollar
for your well loved home. The cost of a professional redesign will be
insignificant compared to having to make a price reduction to get things
moving. So go ahead - turn your space into a showplace !
Sandi Gerrard
Feel at Home Interior Redesign
416.795.9840
www.sandiathome.com |