SELLERS EIGHT STEPS
THE EIGHT STEP PROCESS
Invest and Profit
*Profit is based on pushing the price closer to top of the market and receiving an offer closer to asking
STEP ONE
SALE + DONATE + STORE
The staging process is generally started by having a moving sale. Then donate (tax deduction) what is left after the sale to a local charity. Next, pack and store the rest of the home-owner’s belongings that will not be needed for the next few months.
Buyers: Want great storage space, and sense of move-in ready
Investment: Zero $ invested. Statistics say an average of $1500-$5000 profit
Turn-Offs: Overstuffed cabinets and closets
Staging Service: Organizes with a WOW factor
STEP TWO
PAINT + CAULK + REPAIR
Repairing holes in the walls, touching up wall paint, caulking baseboards and trim, and resealing windows will make a home feel like new. And take down all drapes and hardware. This lets in way more light and takes the "lived in feel" out of the home.
Buyers: Pay more for neutral/gray walls and is trending in new home construction.
Investment: Cost of Touch-Up Paint and Caulk. Profit an Average of $1000-$2000. Also, painting the main living areas only in a trending color will pay a profit of $2000-$5000 above the cost of painter.
Turn-Offs: Home seems dirty, and not well maintained. Outdated and non-neutral paint colors will turn buyers off.
Staging Service : Offers Color consultation & Professional Painting Subcontractors
STEP THREE
INSTALLATION + SUBCONTRACTORS + STAGERS
Most clients have decided to update lighting, counter-tops, floors, and visible repairs. We can offer some of these services in our package price.
Buyers: Want move-in ready, Turn key
Buyer Turn-Offs: Outdated or needs work
Investments: Professional Consultation $200 or Review $75 Plus Work to be Done. Profit is 3-4 times the investment
Staging Service: Consultation with low cost resources and profitable design changes
STEP FOUR
CLEAN + SHINE + RENEW
White glove clean every surface of the home, including closets and cabinets. Use products that clean and other products that provide a high shine for selling a home. In this process, have a good supply of various supplies paints, stains, and caulks to touch up imperfections throughout the home.
Buyers: Like clean, shiny and new
Investment: $350 average with a $1200 profit
Turn-Offs: Pets, odors and perfumes, dirty walls--buyers walk out immediately
Staging Service: Recommend Carpet Cleaners, Cleaning Crews, Painters, Handyman
STEP FIVE
EXTERIOR CLEAN + LANDSCAPE + CURB APPEAL
Power washing or chemical cleaning every surface of the exterior including outdoor furniture, garage door, and light fixtures. Trim and manicure lawn and landscape. Repaint or touch up mailbox and add large contemporary house numbers. Add mass plantings or annuals to wow buyers.
Buyers: 70% drive by before scheduling a showing
Turn-Offs: Overgrown shrubs, lifeless landscape, faded shutters, outdated front doors
Staging Service: Inexpensive and quick ways to create curb appeal through landscape and some cosmetic ideas
STEP SIX
STAGING + REDESIGN + UPSTAGING
Staging a home with a client's current belongings, re-purposing furniture, redesign furniture layouts, and upstaging with modern pieces of wall art, pillows, home decor, and accent furniture.
Buyers: 80% of buyers cannot envision themselves living in a house
Investment: Average $500-$4500. Professional (not DYI) Staging profits a seller double their investment. Homes that are professionally staged sell for at least $5000 more. AND 85% faster than the competition!
Turn-Offs: Cluttered, uncoordinated, old paint colors and outdated furnishings and decor
Staging Service: Creates Light and Bright thoughtful spaces with a WOW factor
STEP SEVEN
APPRAISAL + INSPECTION + HOME WARRANTY
Updated and staged properties tend to appraise at the top or even more than top of the market. This will help sellers in achieving the right listing price. Inspectors are hired to find problems with properties and can cause many problems for buyers and sellers in the negotiation process. Home warranties are also a great low cost incentive. With these things already done, your home will truly be buyer ready.
Buyers: Like to feel secure with their purchase
Investment: $1000-$1500. Profit may be realized in a “faster sale”.
Turn-Offs: Appearance of water damage, old appliances, other obvious issues
Staging Service: Help guide through each process and resources
STEP EIGHT
PICTURES + REALTOR + STAGER
The first 4 pictures in your gallery on the MLS photos are the most important. Buyers are turned off by rooms that look cluttered, outdated, dark, or messy. We work with photographers to ensure that rooms look great in each photo. This is generally the time that the realtor & homeowner sign the final listing price and details of the home to go on the MLS. You are ready for your realtor to have an OPEN HOUSE and get it sold.
Buyers: 84%+of buyers find their homes online. Sellers have 4 seconds to sell a buyer on their home being the best!
Turn-Offs: Bad Photography, overpricing, unappealing content
Investment: ZERO. All good Realtors pay for Professional Photos. Great photography, Great Content, & Right Price is the way to get the most buyers come through the door fast!
Staging Service: “Sets the Stage” for Professional Photography
- see our list of DEAL KILLERS