Safer Properties
Michael Bell, Safer PropertiesPhone: (707) 548-1611
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Stage Your Home to Target Specific Buyers

by Michael Bell 11/15/2020

Image by engin akyurt from Pixabay

Staging can be a controversial topic for many home sellers, especially considering the effort and costs it takes to properly prepare the home. But there's no doubt the investment is worth it for many homes in that staging can transform the property entirely for the benefit of the bottom line. We'll look at what it means to stage for different buyers, and how you can use the information to your advantage. 

Stage Matters

Staging is more than just cleaning up the home or fixing up the woodwork. You're showcasing how the home will look once it's filled with its decor. From the fixtures to the furniture, you're giving the home a certain style that will cause it to leave an impression on the buyers. While it's difficult to assign the exact profits of staging, there's plenty of evidence to show that buyers get attached to homes that highlight their potential. 

Age & Lifestyle 

There are a few relatively basic concepts about how to stage a home for different kinds of buyers. If you have a third bedroom tucked in the corner, you may want to add two twin beds and a chest of toys to appeal to young families looking for a starter home. That same bedroom may function better as a dignified study or home office if you're more likely to have single professionals tour the home. Or you could stage it as a guest bedroom if the average buyer in your home is likely to be a retired couple who want their grandchild to stay over every now and again.

Neighborhoods and Styles 

It's important to know more than the basic demographics of the buyers who stop by. Just because an older couple is touring the home, doesn't mean they'll be more attracted to an old-fashioned decor. Young buyers may want to see a walk-in pantry stuffed with luxury food, while retired people may want to see a universal toilet in the bathroom or a grab bar in the shower. If several generations are moving into the home, you may want to stage the basement as its own separate apartment.

It doesn't necessarily make sense to stage every home, but it is highly recommended for most sellers. The best part is that you don't necessarily have to blow your profit margins by spending thousands of dollars. Talking to a real estate agent can make it easy to conserve your budget while still maximizing your return on investment. No matter how you stage, you need to think about how people are perceiving each amenity before you put the house on the market. A real estate agent can help you do just that. 

About the Author
Author

Michael Bell

In twenty five years of real estate sales and marketing experience, I have sold hundreds of properties, while developing detailed knowledge of Sonoma & Napa area communities. I am a life-long resident in the North Bay and after a full day at work, I enjoy spending time with my four children, and participating in their many school and recreational activities. 

Over the years, my clients have expressed diverse plans and dreams. I seek to truly understand and appreciate my clients' goals, focusing my efforts on realizing them. It has been fun learning more about the unique opportunities that attract people to the area such as the culinary community, the viticulture and wine industry as well as outdoor adventure tourism. It is important to me to listen to my clients, do what it takes to serve their needs and I am dedicated to treating everyone involved in a transaction both in a personal and professional manner. I work hard to anticipate and respond to the routine tasks at hand as well as the complex challenges that come up during real estate transactions while ensuring my goal to deliver you the outcome you desire.