Redding's Ups and Downs

Last night I was thinking about staging homes and I was remembering when we sold our house years ago.  It was a "down" market at that time as it is today. 

Even then, in the early 90's, I was staging houses, my own to be exact.  And it sold quickly even in a rotten market.  But what I was remembering was how challenging it can be when you're living in the house while it is on the market.   

For instance, you're getting ready to make toast for breakfast, and the toaster is in the cupboard.  Drat!  Or, you didn't think you'd ever wear that top this summer and now you're wanting to wear it and it's boxed up. 

But sellers need to remember that staging is for their benefit.  Homes often seller faster and for more money.  And as difficult as it is for those days you're in a hurry, (everyday), it's important to hold the thought that staging helps you realize your real estate goals faster than if you did not stage.

Getting rid of "your" clutter so the buyers can envision "their" clutter in your house is important.  But staging is much more than boxing up stuff.  There's a certain balance and flow needed from room to room.  It may not be how a family would live everyday, but is allows the buyers eyes to recognize the best features of your home, while minimizing features that are not as desirable.