If you think that home staging and home decorating are the same, you’re not alone. I, too, at one time used to think they were the same thing–but I learned later on that there are actual differences between them. In fact, not being clear on their definitions can influence how quickly you sell your home.

Once you make the decision to sell your home it is important that you realize your home is no longer a home but rather a house on display for others to see, with a goal of selling a lifestyle–but not necessarily your lifestyle.

What do I mean? I mean that people have varying tastes and what looks good to you doesn’t always look good to others–and essentially, this is the distinction between decorating and staging.

Decorating is creating a space that suits your style. Staging, however, is creating a space that lets potential buyers imagine how it can suit their style. In order for them to do this, they have to be willing to see your home as a blank canvas rather than as a reflection of the current residents–and there’s data to back it up. According to the National Association of Realtors, 40% of buyers’ agents cited that home staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of the home and 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. With statistics like that, it’s easy to see the importance of staging your home before it goes on the market.

Give the Potential Buyer What They Want

Potential home buyers are looking for a home that is welcoming, functional, peaceful, and organized, so you must tailor your home in a way that gives them that. Here are some ideas on how to make it happen:

Cut back the clutter to minimize distraction. Too much stuff makes it very hard to visualize what the space could look like.
Scale back your decorating style so it appeals to more people. Remember, your style isn’t necessarily their style.
Try to create a calming space with a simple color scheme. A simple color scheme makes it easier to visualize a variety of options.
Freshen up any dated wall and furnishing colors. You want the owner to see potential that won’t take a ton of work.
Arrange furniture aesthetically. Highlight the path for traffic, create intimate seating areas, etc.
Simplify the sentimental touches. Keep it looking homey, but not too homey.
Keep finishes on fixtures neutral and classic. Neutral colors and classic fixtures are timeless!
Showcase cool architectural features. If your home has stylish details, flaunt them!

Remember, the goal is to think like a potential home buyer. Although being objective about your home and depersonalizing it can be challenging, it’s crucial if you want to sell it. If all else fails, talk with your realtor. He or she can often help with the staging process, or at the very least, put you in contact with a staging professional.

Less is almost always more in terms of home staging. Okay… there’s a point where it’s empty. That’s not what we mean either!
Just because you use that spare bedroom as an office, doesn’t mean other people will. Think duel purpose for furniture. Do your best to stage it as a bedroom – a daybed/sofa would work great to serve both purposes of staging for a bedroom and as seating in your office! Grab a tall chest of drawers for filing/storage – convert 2 drawers into 1 and hide away your printer. The point isn’t necessarily to hide that you have your computer/office in there, but to show it as a bedroom first. *If you can temporarily switch to a laptop during the showing/sales process you definitely should. Unplug your laptop and take it with you when showings are scheduled and you’re all done.
Clean your drapes and open them before leaving for showings.
If you have any pieces that are just meant for the space (think peanut butter and jelly!), you can talk to your agent about trying to work out a deal with the buyer for them to either purchase the items from you or including them as a bonus depending on your specific situation.

As you stage, consider adding custom pillows or a beautiful area rug for your pops of color. We have a variety of fabrics that can appeal to a variety of design styles.

Cutting Corners Gets a Crash Course on Home Staging

Previously, Cutting Corners partnered with Beth Kassul, of Staged for Show, to talk home staging. Beth, who is certified in Home Staging and Redesign and a member of both the national and local chapters of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), shared some fascinating information with us, and a number of other attendees, regarding the importance of staging a home before putting it on the market.

For example, did you know that a professional home stager can bring a better offer for selling your home?

Learn more about the benefits of a professionally staged home by contacting Beth at (214) 929-3690 or moc.wohsrofdegatsobfsctd@hteb.

We enjoyed seeing new faces and the energy the meeting brought to our showroom was contagious! We’d love to host more groups like this one, supplying the coffee and donuts (or even wine and cheese), in addition to offering special discounts for your event. Sound interesting? Contact us so we can start planning together!