As stagers a big part of our job is frequently working with what a homeowner has to keep the budgets low. Frankly it isn't always economical to rent or purchase all new, nor is it even really necessary. In this luxury home in Kiawah Island, the sellers used this home as their vacation home and had many great things available. Still the befores weren't quite the best they could be for sale...
What did we do? The first thing to happen was removing the large area rug to show off the floors. In turn, this enhanced the windows. We also painted the wall a subtle tan called, softer tan (Sherwin Williams) to warm the space. Removing the Laura Ashley window treatments helped tone down the blue, allowing the warmer tones to shine through... Paring down the knick knacks and pulling some furniture from other rooms (headboard, nightstands and lamps) finished off the room....
in this room the first thing that needed to happen was to shed the green walls. While the green outside the windows is fantastic, the bright green (cold) walls was not working against the warmer tones in the room. Next we removed the large area rug, again to show the warmer tones of the floor and trimwork. Then added a round table & lamp, bedskirts, artwork and some throw pillows from other rooms in the home. The final touch was paring down the knick knacks.
The total cost was around $650 including painting both rooms. What is the return on investment for the seller? I suppose that can only be answered when an offer comes. The real question might be will an offer come sooner? Would the second set of photos help inspire buyers to come over the first set? Does the second set feel more like a high end home than the first? What about dated vs updated?
So far from the agents and seller, all reviews have been rave.... let's hope buyers feel the same way....
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Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocate and national speaker speaks her mind about real estate and the home staging industry. In her 'no holds barred' approach, audience members find real answers to the industries pitfalls and learn how to overcome them with tried and true information and guidance. With marketing as her passion, she turned a small home based business into one of the nation's largest home staging and training facilities. Selling her successful home staging company in January 2012, Marro is now a full time speaker and instructor for Staging And Resign and Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)'s trade events.
For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.619.1593 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
Nice work. I primarily work in owner occupied and whenever possible use what they have available. This is a great example of just how inexpensive and yet impressive staging can be.
Minor changes, HUGE reward.
Congratulations. Your home staging is being featured in the group Staging Before & After Pictures.
Kathy
Nice changes. It definitely is beneficial to see those beautiful wood floors, and the wall covers make a beautiful difference.
Simple and nice. Love it!
HI Melissa, I also work mostly in occupied homes. This is a great example of what a minimal investment can make to the outcome of listing photos and the final offer. Let us know when the offer comes in.
Hi Melissa, This is a great post on making the small changes that can make a big difference. More sellers need to see this.