By Jeannene Edwards
Some of our major national homebuilders just reported that their home sales were down as much as 30 to 40% in the last quarter. There is no question that we are in the middle of a changing and challenging "Down Market" . . . but, what are the answers? How do we survive this market and get houses sold during these difficult times, and still maintain the bottom line?
As a professional Home Stager in Orlando, and Cental Florida areas, I am often asked these questions by real estate professionals and individual sellers alike. My answer is not always what they want to hear, but it is what is needed in my opinion, to get homes sold in today's competitive market. Give More!
Usually when you decide to list your home for sale your focus is on 'where you will be going', not 'where you are leaving' , so I understand this is definitely not the advice you want to hear! But this is a proven marketing strategy that has been successfully used by national homebuilders for many years. Through the use of well designed and merchandised model homes they have been able to offer their buyers a greater perceived value, which has greatly increased their chances for successful selling against their competition.
The following are tips and strategies designed to increase the perceived value of your home:
. . . stage with your buyer in mind - Pay attention to demographics. Identify your targetted market. Are they young professionals with children, empty nesters? Do you live in a golf club community or on water? Make sure you address those issues by incorporating subtle furnishings to help form an emotional connection with your buyer.
. . . let your home tell the story - Provide a friendly atmosphere which will encourage buyers to visualize themselves living there. Is it light, bright, welcoming? How will it "feel" to them?
. . . are you up to date - Have you changed paint colors to current market trends (both inside and out), replaced light fixtures and hardware in kitchen, baths, and entry (again, both inside and out), and what about your accessories? Are your appliances tired looking? How about your flooring? Your buyer is pickier than ever, and has a wealth of inventory to choose from. And remember, your competition is the new homebulder who has invested in professionally merchandised models which will represent the latest colors, finishes and furnishings. Many are offering move-in incentive packages which include new appliances, upgraded countertops, and provisions for the latest in technology as in plasma television hook up, home security and surround sound systems, etc. You may not want to spend the money, but if you add up the items I've listed it's still probably less than your first price reduction would be!
. . . is there going to be enough 'room to grow' - Get organized and declutter! You are selling square footage, so thru your color selections, furniture lay out and storage area capabilities you want to project the feeling of 'spaciousness'. I can't stress this point enough. Downsize what's in your closets, garage, pantry, under cabinets etc. Clear all countertops in kitchen and bath areas. Keep refrigerator surfaces clear of magnets along with pictures of the kids! Get rid of your excess 'stuff'! Have a gigantic garage sale or make a charitable donation by contacting freecycle.org, AmVets, Salvation Army, or any other worthy organization of your choice. Take advantage of the new space saving solution containers being offered by The Container Store @containerstore.chtah.com , and others who are specifically designing things to help you get organized. This is one of the fundamental guidelines to keep in mind when staging. People buy what they see. And if what they see are unorganized, cluttered and over crowded spaces it will immediately send the message that there will NOT be room for their 'stuff', and there will NOT be room for them to grow!
. . . make your home "squeeky clean"! - The last thing your buyer wants to think about is moving into and living with someone elses dirt. Imagine how you would feel if you checked into a five star hotel, and no matter how nice it looked from the outside, you saw signs of dirt left behind by the previous guest. Could you picture yourself staying there? Of course not, and neither can your prospective buyer. This will also serve as an indicator to them as to how well you have paid attention to details when maintaining your home.
. . . take their breath away - Create multiple WOW effects beginning with curb appeal and the outdoor "Retreat" living areas that have become so popular for today's savvy buyer and their casually sophisticated lifestyle. It's a well known fact among those of us who are Home Stagers and Model Home Merchandisers that buyers are looking at the increased living space on the outside as closely as they are looking at the inside! Spend the money to make these areas 'remarkable' and 'memorable' to make your home stand out from the competition.
These are all ways that you can Give More, offering your buyer a greater "perceived value", to get your house sold in a down market while maintaining your bottom line of profitability!
Jeannene H. Edwards, owner of INTERIORS DEFINED,INC. is a highly sought after professional home stager and licensed interior designer in Orlando, Florida. In addition to her interior design and home staging services, Jeannene has merged with DAVID EDWARDS CONSTRUCTION, a division of INTERIORS DEFINED,INC., enabling them to now offer complete architectural design and building services to further meet the needs of their clientel. Jeannene is a notable speaker known for her dynamic and informative seminars, and is available for sales meetings and group events. Her award winning designs and 'how-to' articles have been widely published in newspapers, magazines and trade manuals nationally. For additional information regarding her Step by Step E-Staging Guide, your ultimate guide to show you what buyers want, what sellers need to know, and tips and strategies to guide you to successful home selling in today's competitive market. For more information please contact Jeannene Edwards or David Edwards at:
Some of our major national homebuilders just reported that their home sales were down as much as 30 to 40% in the last quarter. There is no question that we are in the middle of a changing and challenging "Down Market" . . . but, what are the answers? How do we survive this market and get houses sold during these difficult times, and still maintain the bottom line?
As a professional Home Stager in Orlando, and Cental Florida areas, I am often asked these questions by real estate professionals and individual sellers alike. My answer is not always what they want to hear, but it is what is needed in my opinion, to get homes sold in today's competitive market. Give More!
Usually when you decide to list your home for sale your focus is on 'where you will be going', not 'where you are leaving' , so I understand this is definitely not the advice you want to hear! But this is a proven marketing strategy that has been successfully used by national homebuilders for many years. Through the use of well designed and merchandised model homes they have been able to offer their buyers a greater perceived value, which has greatly increased their chances for successful selling against their competition.
The following are tips and strategies designed to increase the perceived value of your home:
. . . stage with your buyer in mind - Pay attention to demographics. Identify your targetted market. Are they young professionals with children, empty nesters? Do you live in a golf club community or on water? Make sure you address those issues by incorporating subtle furnishings to help form an emotional connection with your buyer.
. . . let your home tell the story - Provide a friendly atmosphere which will encourage buyers to visualize themselves living there. Is it light, bright, welcoming? How will it "feel" to them?
. . . are you up to date - Have you changed paint colors to current market trends (both inside and out), replaced light fixtures and hardware in kitchen, baths, and entry (again, both inside and out), and what about your accessories? Are your appliances tired looking? How about your flooring? Your buyer is pickier than ever, and has a wealth of inventory to choose from. And remember, your competition is the new homebulder who has invested in professionally merchandised models which will represent the latest colors, finishes and furnishings. Many are offering move-in incentive packages which include new appliances, upgraded countertops, and provisions for the latest in technology as in plasma television hook up, home security and surround sound systems, etc. You may not want to spend the money, but if you add up the items I've listed it's still probably less than your first price reduction would be!
. . . is there going to be enough 'room to grow' - Get organized and declutter! You are selling square footage, so thru your color selections, furniture lay out and storage area capabilities you want to project the feeling of 'spaciousness'. I can't stress this point enough. Downsize what's in your closets, garage, pantry, under cabinets etc. Clear all countertops in kitchen and bath areas. Keep refrigerator surfaces clear of magnets along with pictures of the kids! Get rid of your excess 'stuff'! Have a gigantic garage sale or make a charitable donation by contacting freecycle.org, AmVets, Salvation Army, or any other worthy organization of your choice. Take advantage of the new space saving solution containers being offered by The Container Store @containerstore.chtah.com , and others who are specifically designing things to help you get organized. This is one of the fundamental guidelines to keep in mind when staging. People buy what they see. And if what they see are unorganized, cluttered and over crowded spaces it will immediately send the message that there will NOT be room for their 'stuff', and there will NOT be room for them to grow!
. . . make your home "squeeky clean"! - The last thing your buyer wants to think about is moving into and living with someone elses dirt. Imagine how you would feel if you checked into a five star hotel, and no matter how nice it looked from the outside, you saw signs of dirt left behind by the previous guest. Could you picture yourself staying there? Of course not, and neither can your prospective buyer. This will also serve as an indicator to them as to how well you have paid attention to details when maintaining your home.
. . . take their breath away - Create multiple WOW effects beginning with curb appeal and the outdoor "Retreat" living areas that have become so popular for today's savvy buyer and their casually sophisticated lifestyle. It's a well known fact among those of us who are Home Stagers and Model Home Merchandisers that buyers are looking at the increased living space on the outside as closely as they are looking at the inside! Spend the money to make these areas 'remarkable' and 'memorable' to make your home stand out from the competition.
These are all ways that you can Give More, offering your buyer a greater "perceived value", to get your house sold in a down market while maintaining your bottom line of profitability!
Jeannene H. Edwards, owner of INTERIORS DEFINED,INC. is a highly sought after professional home stager and licensed interior designer in Orlando, Florida. In addition to her interior design and home staging services, Jeannene has merged with DAVID EDWARDS CONSTRUCTION, a division of INTERIORS DEFINED,INC., enabling them to now offer complete architectural design and building services to further meet the needs of their clientel. Jeannene is a notable speaker known for her dynamic and informative seminars, and is available for sales meetings and group events. Her award winning designs and 'how-to' articles have been widely published in newspapers, magazines and trade manuals nationally. For additional information regarding her Step by Step E-Staging Guide, your ultimate guide to show you what buyers want, what sellers need to know, and tips and strategies to guide you to successful home selling in today's competitive market. For more information please contact Jeannene Edwards or David Edwards at:
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