I am addicted to the television show “Sell this House” on A & E.  It’s main premise is to take a house that is being sold “as is” and has already been on the market for several months but without any offers and completely transform it with very little money.   Of course, within hours (or weeks) of completion, an offer is forthcoming.

The show starts with an Open House.  Hidden cameras show buyers walking through and voicing their opinions of it’s current condition.  The first time through is never good.  You wonder, what was the seller thinking, putting their home on the market “as is”. Or better yet, what was their real estate agent thinking?

There are so many good reasons to stage your home.  The most apparent one is that it will sell faster.  A survey from the National Association of Realtors states that a home will sell for 6% less after the first 4 weeks it is on the market.  Six percent of a $500,000 house is $30,000!  That’s a lot of paint. Another statistic shows that only 10% of all buyers can visualize “potential”.

Teri from Distinctive Décor is our stager.  She has been helping us with sellers for years.  Her first step is to  come out to your home and do a consultation.  She will analyze each room; pointing out what to put away, what to keep as focal points, etc.  She may suggest paint (and help you choose a color!), or carpet.   The purpose is to take YOU out of the home so the new buyer can see THEM in it.

When you are ready, we will make a second appointment for her to come back and “stage”.  This includes rearranging furniture, hanging pictures, etc. 

Ready for pictures!  Most buyers start their home search online.  A staged home will stand out among the competition. 

Did I tell you  that we take care of the cost of this?  It is part of our listing package.

And one more thing:  Some sellers start this process 6 months before they sell!  They want to take their time and not feel rushed.  Others call a week before they want to list. Do what works for you.  To get started call or email for our free brochure …

“50 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Speedy, Top-Price Sale”

Any time of year can present a good opportunity to buy or sell. Peak sales activity does occur during the spring and summer months, though that is also when the greatest amount of inventory is on the market. Throughout the fall and winter months there are fewer homes available, which creates demand. Buyers looking at that time are typically serious. Take advantage of the current seasonal activity now.

Figures compiled from average monthly pending sales of King County residential and condominium properties, January 2006–December 2010.

We’re always happy to discuss our current market conditions or give you specific data in regard to your home. If you have questions or would like to talk, please don’t hesitate to give us a call – We’d love to chat!