24 - TCnbc Magazine
In home staging it is preferable to see space rather than stuff (we will discuss storage options later on). One method that works well is to stick Post-it® Notes on all items that should remain in the home, and then recommend that the
client pack and store all other items. Guiding your client through the decluttering process and identifying
what items should be removed is a delicate process and one you need to handle with great sensitivity. Review
this first step with the seller and explain clearly why this is essential.
Staging Steps
There is a logical sequence to follow when staging a home. This sequence is applied to both the exterior of the home as well as any room inside the house. It is the same course of action in any dwelling anywhere in the world where homes are sold. It is the same process whether you’re staging a mud hut in Africa or an igloo in Iceland. Home staging is really a simple formula born from common sense, as well as from practice and a cultivated eye. In terms of the basic skills
necessary, you as a real estate agent who has seen many, many homes, and know what features and aspects buyers find attractive, already have a clear advantage over others.
Staging should occur in the following order, and it may help to use the following acronym to remember the sequence:
Do Realtors Close Deals
D – Declutter (and depersonalize)
R – Repair (and upgrade)
C – Clean
D – Decorate
De-clutter – This is the single most important action you can take in preparing a home for the real estate market. Your goal is to remove visible clutter and turn disorder into order. This includes removing any excess and unnecessary furniture, which instantly makes a room look bigger. Remove all unnecessary items that take up precious floor space.