Staging Is Not Decorating
Don't confuse staging with decorating or interior design. There are similarities, of course: all of these specialties use color, design, scale, and other elements. However, where interior design caters to likes and dislikes, life choices, and personal style, staging is about neutralizing
In other words, staging is essentially a marketing tool for selling a house.
Style that is too personal or specific to a particular homeowner or type of homeowner can limit the pool of potential buyers. When the home remains too personal, buyers often feel like they are intruding. They may even have difficulty separating the property from the personality of the owners or decor of the property.
Here are some practical staging tips to consider.
Culture and ethnicity - play it down, but not out Given the multicultural, multi-ethnic nature of our society, styles from around the world have been incorporated into home decor. Diverse elements don't have to be eliminated, but they should be used sparingly so that the home doesn't feel specific to any one ethnicity or culture.
Politics - keep away
Remove anything that projects political convictions. Buyers who have different beliefs may find themselves thinking about the owners and their politics instead of the features of the house. They may also wonder if the rest of the neighborhood is of the same political persuasion as the homeowners and whether they would fit in.
Color statements - make them safe, not boring
Neutral colors come to mind, and rightly so. But, remember, you can go too far with beige. Sophisticated taupes, rich tans, soft moss greens, and warm creamy yellows can create a welcoming ambiance without making a strong design statement that may eliminate buyers
Gender neutral - aim for the middle of the road
Homes and rooms should not be so gender-specific as to make half the population uncomfortable. For instance, if it's obvious your seller loves pink, recommend she minimize it; combine it with charcoal grey or black and limit it to a bathroom or a child's room. Relegate lace to the baby girl's room, and replace flowery brick with leaves or geometric or abstract patterns.
And it's not just the feminine touches that need to be addressed. This works both ways. Repurpose trophy rooms, take down the motorcycle and car calendars from the garage, and turn that poker palace back into the wholesome family room the builder intended (and most buyers want).
Religion - this isn't the time to display faith Religion is very personal and, for that reason, should remain out of a home on the market. This can be a touchy subject, so handle with care; you don't want to offend. It can be especially awkward if you don't share the same belief system as the homeowners.
Encourage your sellers to remove anything that strongly conveys their specific beliefs. Remember, it is about selling the home, and the decor needs to be something of a blank slate on which the buyer can superimpose his own life.
Get your home ready to sell! Find easy staging tips at http://www.utahburden.com/Seller-Resources/Seller-Tips
