The Attraction Created by Staging an Austin / Georgetown Home
I stage homes. I sell homes.
Often, sellers ask, “Ivy, do I really need to stage my home? It seems like a lot of work.” My reply? “Only if you want to sell it.”
Long gone are the days when some discount agent could throw up a sign, take a few photos on their iPhone, head out of town for the weekend, and wait for offers to roll in. That was then. This is now.
Today, in addition to providing salient factors on the benefits of staging, allow me to describe my recent staging project. It is what I do.
When Brad decided to list his home, he interviewed three agents. Each one brought a portfolio of their work and made a convincing presentation.
During my ninety-minute consultation, I asked, “What do you want to accomplish? What are your goals? What is your timeline?” Together, Brad and I crafted a custom-designed selling plan. One of the essential components included making his house “market-ready”. In other words, let’s get this place Instagram-worthy.
When Brad explained why he selected me, he said, “You simply do more.” And I do. I hit the ground running. Allow me to highlight one of the “do more” details: staging.
Day 1:
I walked the house and blue-taped every item that needed to be packed and put away. I explained, “Brad, you’re eventually going to box it anyway, you’re just getting a head start.” I then photographed the house to create my staging plan. I made lists. Lots of lists – what must be cleaned, what must be moved, what must be touched up? (Brad chose to purchase a new sofa to replace his well-worn sectional.)
Day 2:
With my staging plan in hand, I accessed my two storage units. Now the fun begins. I created a complimentary color scheme and targeted my inventory.
Lamps
Vases
Dishes
Pictures
Paintings
Baskets
Rugs
Towels
Comforters
Pillows
Bar stools
Arrangements
Day 3:
Work begins.
What kind of work? Have you ever been to Haverty’s to discover a showroom in transition? Bare walls, tables, and chairs stacked off to the side, etc.? This is me at work.
Day 4:
Work continues.
I discovered my inventory did not include a few necessary items to make Brad’s home pop. Let the shopping begin!
Day 5:
Finishing touches. The interior is photo-ready.
During this process, Brad and I have collaborated to create the optimal curb appeal.
Fresh flowers
New pots
New mulch
Power wash the driveway
You may be thinking, “Is all this necessary?” My reply? Experts tell us we have between eight and twenty seconds to make an impression. Think of the buyer who will tour six homes in a day. Where do you want to rank?
I do all this before the first photo, before any signage, before we go live.
Why? I stage homes. I sell homes.