Today, we wrap up the series I’ve been doing with The Nester in which we’ve been looking at some of the “tricks of the trade” of Home Staging.
A Staged Scene
We talked in the first post in this series about how the purpose of staging was to create a welcoming, appealing, and attractive place to be. The idea is that this will make a buyer want to BUY! Cool beans.
But, I have to be honest with you here…this series hasn’t been what you would call “second nature” to me. That’s because I’m all about NOT SELLING.
The Real Me!
My job for the last couple of decades has been to show people why they don’t have to sell. I’m the guy who’s supposed to be able to make the house you’re in right now the perfect place to live!
Not big enough? Add on. Not pretty enough? No problem, we can make it pretty. Too dark inside? Somebody give me a chainsaw, I can make a window right here!
I don’t think a potential client of mine ever heard the words “I think you should sell.” My words, and they’re from the heart, are “I think you should remodel” and “I can help you.”
Those are my words on this blog too. I think you should remodel. I can help you.
But, IF YOU INSIST, on selling. The ideas in this series will absolutely make a difference in your prospects. I hope you make use of them and that you thereby profit greatly in time and money!
Words of Caution
I think you have to be careful right now. The market is very, well, squirrely, to use the technical term. It’s hard to figure out which way it’s going. For a minute it’s good signs, then it’s bad signs. One thing for sure is that there are a lot of SIGNS. Many of them say “For Sale“.
That being the case, I would suggest you be extra prudent with any costly upgrades prior to sale. While a few years ago, I would have said that you should replace that fifteen year old roof, now I’m not so sure. I might have suggested that you put in some new cabinets, or replace the windows, or upgrade the floor coverings throughout. I just don’t know if that makes you any money in this market. So I won’t say it.
Every home is different, every market is different. I would say that research pays and to be careful whose advice you take.
Head on over to Nesting Place, where The Nester has some closing thoughts and ideas for you and if you decide to remodel, I will be right here. You can email me your questions and I’ll always do my best to give you a good answer. Send me your pictures and I’ll give you my thoughts.
Check back often this week, I have a lot in store! Finally, that “paint your cabinets post“, a post on Crown Molding, and new giveaway!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You and the Nester have done a great job with this series! Thank you.
I also think it’s best to look into remodeling before buying bigger and better. To bad you can’t remodel a lot size to make it bigger!!
Have a great week!
JanMarie’s last blog post..Welcome to Italy Mom and Dad!!
I SO agree with your stance on remodeling! I know it doesn’t fit with every circumstance and people sell for different reasons but I think people overlook the fact that they can use what they have and add to it or like you said–knock out a wall and expand!
Preach it brother!
The Nester’s last blog post..Staging Your Home For Sale :: Final Thoughts
Hey RG,
We started on our family room! I am so excited…and my husband is doing a great job! One thing that really helps is to have friends/family/neighbors that know (and I mean KNOW because they are professionals) about framing, wiring, etc. I can’t wait until I have a school room for my kids!
But one thing you don’t warn about on your site, RG, is that you will NEVER see your husband once he starts a remodeling project. Is your wife a Remodeling Widow at times too?
That’s ok…I know he’s doing it for me and the kids…
Photos are up on my blog of his progress!
Just wanted to thank you, as well, for this series. We’ll be listing our home for sale in the next week or two (hubby got a new job that requires a move) and while we’ve done a LOT of what you & Nester have suggested we now know we can do more!
Colleen – Mommy Always Wins’s last blog post..Its Monday. Again.
very good and prudent advice. I love to remodel, but ya know, it is not always the best thing to do.
I have really enjoyed this series, and hope you and the Nester do another one!
Darlene @ Worth Walking Toward’s last blog post..Recovering
Amen, brother! You preach it!
We moved about 9 months ago and there’s still a little part of me that wishes we had stayed put and done an additon and some remodeling.
I posted a virtual remodel of my family room today. It’s going to include a wall treatment that’s right up your alley. I’ll probably be emailing you every 5 minutes once we get started.
Kimba
Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land’s last blog post..Meet Layla Palmer:: The Lettered Cottage
I have enjoyed this series as well. Like you say people sell for different reasons, but if you’re staying in the same area you should definitely consider remodeling. We are putting our home on the market this week or next, and we already moved across town. We moved to a smaller home (aka smaller mortgage) and the first thing we looked at was the great potential for adding on to this home. It’s going to be a tight fit for a little while, but it’ll work and I would prefer to add on then move again. Moving sucks! especially with little kids. =]
Kira =]’s last blog post..Happy Birthday Benjamin!!