Steve and Sharron Thompson Staging Recommendations
Our goal is to sell your home in the quickest and most profitable way for you. We have prepared this booklet containing simple and inexpensive recommendations to guide you through the process of staging to sell and hopefully maximize the value of your home.
FRONT EXTERIOR
ENTRYWAY
We want to wow the buyer the minute they pull in the driveway. Here are a few tips:. Sweep out the ceiling in the covered porch area Check for any tired or scuffed paint and touch up Place a large urn on right hand side just in front of pillar filled with colorful seasonal flowers
Consider replacing or painting the chandelier in a dark oil rubbed bronze or black Be sure all items are off floor and stored neatly away Install a citrus scented plug in air freshener
Did you know the average buyer forms an opinion about a home within the first 7– 10 seconds of arrival?
Research finds that only 10% of buyers can see potential in a home. That means that 90% of buyers cannot see past dirt, clutter and imperfections.
LIVING ROOM Consider neutral white or beige slipcovers for the furniture ( including ottomans) to neutralize and take the buyers eye straight to the grand details of this room: soaring ceilings, impressive fireplace and wall to wall windows. Remove window treatment to direct buyers eye straight to the stunning view Use several throw cushions in similar shade but with different patterns and textures for added interest and color Move large “chair and a half� to corner where leather chair currently is. Move leather chair to study/music room. Pull large ottoman into center, slipcovered and place a large wooden tray on top to multi task as coffee table Consider hanging a large neutral art piece over the fireplace
KITCHEN Kitchen Shopping Guide:
Replace brass cabinet hardware with modern chrome pulls Replace brass pendants with sparkling chrome fixtures. Replace brass chandelier with elegant shaded chandelier with chrome hardware Replace chairs with upholstered chairs such as the ones from Ikea in the shopping guide
Lowes chrome pulls: $44.98/ 10 pack
Chrome and glass pendant $100.00 (Home Depot)
Chandelier with Shade $99.00 (Bouclair)
Replace bar stools with matching upholstered bar height chairs Ikea upholstered chair $99.00
“ 52% of buyers said the kitchen had the most significant impact on their purchasing decision� - Maritz Research
“...the average staging investment is between 1 and 3% of the home’s asking price which generates a return of 8 to 10%.” National Association of Realtors
STUDY Here are a few simple recommendations:
DINING ROOM Here are some suggestions:
Replace personal photos with large neutral art pieces. (some may be available through us)
Replace brass chandelier with oil rubbed bronze (or consider painting current fixture)
Remove one of the office chairs and reduce “clutter” on desk/shelves
Replace brass mirror with large dark framed mirror
Remove the piano in the corner by window
Move sideboard by window to wall under mirror and console table to long wall beside table, centered
Place leather chair from living room in corner where piano previously was
Place a vase of fresh flowers in center of table
MASTER BEDROOM Recommendations for this space:
ENSUITE Recommendations for this space:
Consider crisp white bedding with lots of pillows and a flat white bed skirt for a hotel look
Replace all brass fixtures and hardware with chrome including faucets, towel bars, cabinet hardware and light fixtures
Hang a large neutral art piece over the bed
Hang clean crisp neatly folded towels
Remove small tables beside dresser, small chair and basket by bed
Install a citrus scented plug in air freshener
Place a few throw cushions and a throw blanket on chaise for a pop of color
“ Staged properties can increase the number of offers and selling price in hot markets� -Real Estate Staging Association.
“ 87 % of people said that presentation makes a difference in most sales� AOL Money and Finance Poll
SUNROOM Here are some suggestions: Replace seat cushions on furniture or consider recovering in a neutral beige or light gray tone Throw a few mixed and matched throw cushions with the green tone in different patterns and textures
MAIN BATH Replace brass faucet and towel ring with chrome Replace brass mirror with dark or chrome framed mirror Hang a crisp white towel on towel ring
Remove a few items from shelves
Be sure everything is sparkling clean for showings
Remove flowers from inside lamps
Install a citrus plug in air freshener
Remove string of lights
BEDROOM
BEDROOM Remove all items from on top of dressers
Desk should be flush against wall beside window
Remove all posters and shelves/items and replace with large art pieces
Remove shelving unit and all items on floor
Add some throw cushions in complimentary colors. (see inspiration pages)
Clear most items on top of dresser, desk and off top, sides and front of bar fridge. Replace bed skirt with a flat white bed skirt. Bed should be made neatly. (see inspiration pages)
Remove shelving unit and place desk and chair centered on that wall Position night stand beside bed with lamp Remove smaller bedside table
“Staged homes spent 83% less time on the market than non staged homes� -HomeGain.com
“Photos of professionally staged listings look better on the MLS, as well as in print� -Real Estate Staging Association
BATHROOM Remove all items from counter leaving only an attractive pump soap. (all toiletries, cosmetics, etc should be neatly stored away in vanity) Remove shelf/items from above toilet and replace with neutral art piece Hang clean crisp white towels Install a citrus plug in air freshener
BATHROOM Remove all items from counter leaving only an attractive pump soap at each sink Replace shower curtain with a neutral white curtain Hang crisp clean white towels Be sure everything is sparkling clean for showings Install a citrus plug in air freshener
BEDROOM Remove all items from walls including shelves jerseys, etc and replace with neutral art pieces Replace bedding with a lighter, brighter neutral bedding set (see inspiration pages) This room should contain the bed, two night stands with matching lamps and the two matching dressers, the desk/chair and a few arm chairs such as the Ikea Poang chair in a neutral color ( arm chairs in window alcove) Place desk flat against wall where small white should be on each side of bed and dressers centered on walls
FAMILY ROOM Remove shelving unit and pack away all DVDS/items. Place TV and speakers on wall where shelving unit was Place one sofa under far wall centered under window and other sofa along other wall centered under window with coffee table in the middle and end table in corner between two sofas Arm chair and rocking chair facing sofa on far wall with small table in between
“Over 90% of home buyers look at homes they’ve found online” - homestaging.about.com
“ Top three interior features for selling were freshly painted walls, organized storage space and current flooring� - Maritz Research Staging Polls
POOL TABLE AREA Remove personal photos and cardboard cut out Consider removing white pantry cupboard Place a few bar height upholstered stools along wall (same as ones for kitchen)
GAMES ROOM We need to define this as a true games room so that means all game equipment should be in this room including: Dart board Basketball toss (might fit along stairs?) Air hockey Fuse ball Lets, however pack away the mini hockey games, tables they are on and the craft table and items
LOWER KITCHEN Consider replacing cabinet hardware with chrome or brushed nickel Place a vase of fresh flowers in center of table Install a citrus plug in air freshener Be sure all cupboard doors are closed, fridges closed and nothing on counters
BATHROOM Remove chair Replace brass hardware/fixtures with chrome or brushed nickel Remove anything from counter except an attractive pump soap Hang crisp clean white towels Install a plug in citrus air freshener
Showing Tip: Be sure to turn on all the lights and open all blinds and curtains. We want your home to be bright for showings. Buyers should be looking at the space not looking for the light switch.
Showing Tip: Keep small baskets handy for quick pick ups. Showings will be booked unexpectedly on short notice, so easy strategies for cleaning up fast are a must!
OFFICE The desk is nice floating in the room however it could be straight rather than on an angle and centered in front of window Move small table with lamp to left hand wall (if facing window) centered under frames
FITNESS ROOM Remove all posters Items should not be on floor. Store in large attractive baskets or bin. Even consider some sort of a storage bench to hide these items however could act as a functional spot to sit and tie shoes
Remove table/chair and store all items in closet
Position equipment so it does not block doorways, or closets and so that buyers will easily navigate through the room.
If small shelf on castors is needed, place against wall under window behind desk out of first view
Install a citrus plug in air freshener. ( in a fitness room, two might be a good idea! )
Place chair in right hand corner under window
KITCHEN INSPIRATION
BEDROOM INSPIRATION
This is great inspiration for how we would like your kitchen to look. Sparkling with elegant touches, this kitchen is perfectly staged for showings.
This is the inspiration for all of the bedrooms.
Notice the chrome hardware and fixtures and the upholstered bar stools. These are elements that will bring a fresh new instant update to your kitchen that will really appeal to buyers.
Light neutral walls, airy white curtains, and crisp light bedding with layered pillows creates a luxurious hotel feel. Use inexpensive oversized square pillow to fill in space and add color and pattern We want to create an irresistible space for the buyer. The bedroom needs to feel like a getaway they cant wait to get home to.
Stores such as Jysk, Bouclair and Walmart are inexpensive resources for bedding, throw cushions, and accents.
“Mix and Match” throw cushions in similar shade with various patterns and textures can add interest and a cozy feel.
LIVING ROOM INSPIRATION This is our inspiration for your living room. It would be great if we could slip cover the existing furniture in a light neutral shade and add pops of color and texture with cushions and throw blankets. Even the ottomans can be slipcovered with a tray placed on them so they can function as a coffee table We want it to feel comfortable, inviting, light and neutral with pops of color.