First Impressions Count

Planning to sell your house? One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not taking a long hard look at the view from the street. If you don't grab attention at this crucial moment, you're sure to lose the opportunity to get the potential buyer into your home.

Here is a good example of how to boost your curb appeal. By updating the exterior, adding a fresh coat of paint and a little new landscaping, this home becomes a charmer.

Before

After

ANOTHER HOME SOLD!

The final paperwork is about to be signed. The homeowners of the Cayman Rd residence received two offers on a house staged by Stageworks. AND the accepted offer was $5000 over the current asking price!

The cozy home was vacant before Stageworks fully furnished each room. The responses we received from Realtors and house hunters were overwhelmingly positive. We can't say enough about the importance of staging a vacant home. The online photos alone can make a difference between being passed over and sparking interest with warm inviting interior shots.

Visit our website to see all of the interior photographs.

The Importance of Great Photos

I recently picked up a flyer from a house for sale that had great curb appeal. That's a good start. But as I looked through the photos I was surprised that they showed unappealing, cluttered and poorly lit rooms. My first thought was, what a wasted opportunity. My second thought was, for very little money, I could really make this place look great.

The Realtor and home owner certainly didn't intend to show the house in a poor light. But often it takes a trained eye to create the best possible presentation. Many don't know the importance of staging for photos. It's a trick of the trade that not all home owners and Realtors know how to pull off. Depth perception and perspective are crucial in creating a photo that evokes that inviting sense of balance and style.

These photos of professionally staged rooms show clean, bright, uncluttered interiors. Staging doesn't have to cost a lot. It can often be done using what the homeowner already owns and usually involves removing items to present a simple, uncluttered final product. These photos would definitely "wow" a potential buyer and would bring them running to beat the crowd.



It is said that over 80% of house hunters begin their search on the Internet. And with the glut of homes on the market today, it has never been more important to attract buyers with exceptional photos.

The statistics are clear, Home Staging works!

Curb Appeal?

Yeah, maybe you're right, this is an extreme example. But you get the idea. My guess is that you would never consider buying this house--unless you had the ability to see its potential.

Most people can't.

Buyers usually start their search for a new home on the internet. In order to grab attention, your online photos must present a warm and welcoming look. They also must send the message that a home has been well cared for. Unless you're interested in months of rehab work, this home would be quickly passed over.

Now, how about this one?

Yep. Same house. This one just had a little facelift.

If you were looking for an adorable cottage home with charm and character, this one would get your attention.

If you overlook the importance of a first impression, it is guaranteed that prospecive buyers will do the same.

For great advice on improvements that give the greatest return on your money, visit HGTV's FRONTDOOR.