Welcome to the September issue of Staging Strategies! This month, we'll continue our look at the TOP 5 Decorating Mistakes clients make, and what you can do to recognize and address them in your own listings.
Do you cut your own hair? Would you let a client cut your hair? The day before you were getting your picture taken for a big article in the newspaper?! Why not...we've all known how to use scissors since kindergarten, and it would certainly save a lot of money!
For some of you, a haircut may not be a big deal. But for most of us, our hair style is an important part of our image. If you're not having a "good hair day", it can make even the most stylish outfit look off. I don't know about you, but the great haircut I get from my trusted hair dresser is well worth every penny.
Are you letting your clients "cut their own hair" when showing your listings? They may save a little money, but chances are they won't be able to achieve that same polished, updated look that's a sign of professionally prepared rooms. Professional services produce an entirely different level of results...and that just might be the difference your listings need to get the sale.
Sincerely,
Andria Wallace, IADA, RES
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TOP 5 DECORATING MISTAKES |
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| 3 | | | Flanking Pairs
Stiff, formal, dated. That's how I would have described my client's living room, despite the fact the sofa, loveseat and chair weren't that old. But the way it was arranged, combined with some of the more outdated elements in the room, made it feel like you'd better be on your best behavior (or else!)
One of the factors that influences how formal a room feels is the degree of symmetry used when placing furnishings. How many of you have a listing that has a sofa in the middle, with a matching end table and lamp on each side? Whenever you see these "flanking pairs", the room is going to feel more formal.
While there are some cases when this might be an appropriate look, most of today's home buyers are looking for comfortable, livable spaces. Updating the arrangement can give a more relaxed feel that makes the room more inviting.
The solution:
Break up "flanking pairs" for an updated look. There are a number of ways to do this, including removing the lamps and replacing one of the end tables with a floor lamp, or perhaps finding a substitute for one of the tables, such as the hatboxes or a trunk. The option we chose below was to move the sofa away from the window (and use a floor lamp), then position just a single table between the chair and the loveseat. By breaking up the traditional arrangement, we avoided having exactly-matching pairs of everything. Give it a try...you'll be surprised at how much more inviting it makes the room feel. | |
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Quick Tip:
Most stores that provide copy and printing services have boxes available just for the asking. Keep a few in the back of the car, so when your client needs to put some things away you can ask "do you need a box to put that in?". |
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| Coming Next Month:
We'll continue working our way down the Top 5 Decorating Mistakes list. Hope you'll come back for Number 4 in the October issue. |
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Want to make the most out of
your marketing time and efforts? You may only think of "staging" in terms of rental furniture for a vacant listing, but you can also stage your furnished listings to give them a stylish and updated look that leads to better showings and faster sale!
Staging is more than just "moving the couch". Not only are rooms displayed more attractively, but strategic placement of furnishings makes better use of space and shows off the house from a buyer's perspective, helping them more easily imagine themselves in the house.
Why invest money in marketing materials, spend your valuable time at open houses, and expend efforts in promoting your listings before they've been prepared to maxmize their appeal to buyers? Let us help you prepare your listings so you can focus your expertise in what you do best...marketing the property to get it SOLD.
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For more information on how these services can help you move your listings, please call 314-359-9127 or visit our website at www.contentedrooms.com/realtors. |
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Using the art of decorating to make the most of your listings for optimal showing, buyer appeal and faster sale.
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