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One of the terms we professional stagers use often is “neutralize.” It means to stage the home in a way which will appeal to the greatest number of buyers. One of the easiest ways to do this is to eliminate themed rooms and collections.

Themed rooms are easy to recognize. A few of the more popular themes are Sports, Beach, Tuscany, Zen and Wildlife. Done in moderation, there is nothing wrong with these themes or styles. This is directed towards those who get a little carried away. Every piece of furniture, all the artwork, and all the accessories, have been chosen around the theme. The drawback to this excess is that buyers find it very difficult to imagine their own belongings in the room.

I have a friend whose family room has a “cowboy” theme. I think it is safe to assume that most buyers do not have spurs, pistols, and saddles in their homes, and would have a hard time getting past this theme and imagining their own furnishings there. This doesn’t mean you have to get a whole new room. The trick is to edit. For example, my friend could remove the aforementioned items, but a leather sofa and paintings with cowboys as the subject is perfectly acceptable.

There is only one exception to the themed room rule, and that is children’s bedrooms. It applies mostly to the shared living spaces in the home. I usually link themed rooms with collections, because quite often I will find collections spread throughout a themed room. But, sometimes they are off by themselves, or a collection becomes the theme. Almost all homeowners have some kind of collection. Whether it is a common one like books or framed photos, or something more unusual like Victorian birdcages or bobble-head dolls, these collections can be very distracting to buyers. The best bet is to pack these collections up, making them safe and sound, and more importantly, out of sight!

The bottom line is your home will sell faster, and you can create whatever theme, or collect whatever you want, in your new home that much sooner.

When you put your home on the market, you are selling more than the physical structure.  Think of it as selling a lifestyle.  This is why preparing your home is so important.  As buyers walk through your home, they are trying to imagine themselves living there.  A savvy seller will help them along the way!

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

One of the ways is to set the dining room table.  The china doesn’t come with the house, so why would you do it?  Because buyers want to believe that if they buy your home they will finally be able to have those fabulous dinner parties they’ve been dreaming about.  You are not trying to deceive buyers; you are just providing a visual to stimulate their imagination.

What do cluttered bathrooms bring to mind? A family rushing

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I am asked quite often “What is the difference between decorating and staging?” I thought I would provide you with a quick explanation, and some definitions of other terms we use in staging.

Decorating is furnishing and accessorizing a space, with the taste and lifestyle of the homeowners in mind.

Staging is decorating, also, but in a manner which showcases the best features of the home, detracts from any negative features, and appeals to the greatest number of buyers.

Neutralizing is removing a particular style or theme. For example, if a home is decorated with a Southwest motif or a kitchen has a “cow” or “rooster” theme.

Depersonalizing is the removal of any items which speak loudly of who lives in the home. Family photos, memorabilia, travel souvenirs, trophies and awards, to name a few.

Scale is the term used to describe the relationship between the size of the room and the size of the furnishings. If the furniture is too big, or there is too much of it, it will make the room appear small and crowded. When the furniture is too small or there is not enough of it, the room can look bare and uninviting.

Balance refers to the placement of furniture in regard to other furniture or an architectural feature like a fireplace or built-in bookcases. Large pieces of furniture should be placed in a way in which the weight and height is even throughout the room.

Vignette is a word that stagers use to describe a smaller area furnished and/or accessorized which conveys a welcoming feeling on its own. A window seat accessorized with pillows, and a decorative tray containing a coffee cup and a book, would be considered a vignette.

Understanding these terms and recognizing the value of staging your home is vital in today’s market. If the task of getting your home ready is too overwhelming or you just don’t know where to begin, contact us for a referal to a professional stager in your area.