"Why would I want to pay for furniture and accessories in a home I no longer live in?"  It's a reasonable question and one that is always asked. 

 

Here are some things to consider:

1. A vacant house can often come across as cold and uninviting.

2.  It's hard to visualize how large a room is when there is nothing in it to serve as a reference point.  Rooms actually can appear smaller when they are empty.

3. If you have a space that has an unusual shape, a potential buyer may have difficulty imagining where the best furniture placement would be. 

4.  When there is nothing else to look at, a buyer may begin to focus on negative details or flaws.

5.  Often when a home is empty, buyers might believe that the seller will accept a lower offer to avoid further mortgage payments on a home in which he or she no longer lives.

6. You've been told to turn on all of your lights when your home is being shown to create a space that is warm and inviting.  If your home is vacant, with the exception of a few overhead lights (and we all know how flattering those can be) , buyers will not be able to see what they are buying and your home will appear dark and dreary.

 

"Buyers only know what they see, not the way it's going to be"  Barb Schwarz/ www.StagedHomes.com

 

Think STAGING!  Which picture is more inviting to a potential buyer:

 

 

                  

 

 

Bedrooms can be hard to STAGE.  If you don't have an extra bed around, try using an airbed.  You can find them on various Internet sites  or at your local discount store.  And, after your home has sold, you'll have a bed for extra out-of-town guests!  Don't worry about sheets; all you'll need is a large comforter or spread, pillows and a night table.  Keep in mind that upholstered furniture and fabric will help to soften the hollow/echo sound that often goes with a vacant house.                        

There are several factors that come into play;  for example the size of your home, pricepoint and  competition.  It is your choice.  Vignettes can  be cost effective and at the same time help a buyer see a room's potential.  It can be as simple as placing  a cloth on a round table, and adding 2 chairs and a centerpiece to STAGE a dine-in area.  If you decide to STAGE the whole house, keep in mind that less is more.  You're not furnishing it to live in; just to sell. 

 

On average, potential buyers stay in vacant houses 9 minutes; and stay in a STAGED home an average of 40 minutes.