Textbook Staging + Great Marketing
= Quick Sale
The real estate section in today’s (Saturday) Star Tribune features my new listing at 3840 Xerxes Ave. South, just south of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis:
“Updating, but maintaining ‘Frank and Dino’ Vibe” (Star Tribune; 10/11/08).
http://www.startribune.com/homes/sell/30685974.html?elr=KArksLckDiUvckDiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU
The article discusses what my stager, Lori Matzke, did to show off the home’s architectural appeal, and accentuate key features like the Living Room fireplace and nearby wall of windows. I’m hardly objective, but the difference between the “before” and “after” photos is startling.
So does staging really work?
The first showings were last Tuesday, and a deal was signed Wednesday night.
Oh, and it might also have helped a little that, in addition to the staging, I took out ads in 3 publications; publicized the home to 3,000 Edina Realty agents weeks before the listing hit the market, and again right before; got 42 realtors to come through the broker open on Tuesday; had the home professionally photographed and prepared professionally designed brochures; did a direct mailing piece to the neighborhood; persuaded the owners to buy a one year home warranty, to address the dated mechanicals; carefully priced the home after spending hours analyzing the market, etc., etc.
The necessity of home staging has grown significantly in recent years. Viewers are expecting more from the average home showing, and the responsibility falls on the owner to supply this. Fortunately is is something that is not difficult to achieve. There are any number of guides and articles (such as this one right here ) that offer good advice on staging your home to show to its full potential. Of course, there are professional home stagers that will gladly come and stage your home for you, but why not try your hand at it yourself.
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valrossie
Viral Marketing