Anyone used a home staging company to try and help sell their property?

pinkpiglit

pumas said:

Why don't you stage it now or as and when you move some furniture and take photos to be used when you're ready to go.

Hmmm.  Yes that would work for the photos, but still mean empty rooms when prospective buyers visit.

pinkpiglit

FinallyStoppedLurking said:

We sold our last house and moved in relatives as we were moving from up north to the Midlands. 
Our house sold for significantly above the valuations we were given and I think this is because we left all of the furniture in and so it was like a show home. Also helped by the fact my wife is a designer so had created a lovely looking home. My best mate also did similar and he sold within a day at asking price (probably could've held out for more but he was happy with what he got).

I think the reality is that a lot of people don't know how to create a nice looking home and so if you can do it to yours it adds value. People can see a home rather than a house. I also think empty houses always look a bit rubbish. When there's no furniture your eyes are drawn to faults (eg. marks on walls, dents from furniture in carpets etc). 

I think I'm one of those people - find it hard to imagine what a room looks like when its not furnished!

Also agree your eye gets drawn to all the blemishes and faults if there is nothing else to focus on.

Mutton_Geoff

I've bought and sold many properties but the two I sold that were completely empty I couldn't help thinking might have sold quicker and/or for more money if I'd dressed them.

pumas

My OH can't picture something unknown. There won't be blemishes and faults, will there? (tongue in cheek) you could hang enlarged pic in each empty room!

NaughtiusMaximus

I know I'm probably in the minority but I would actually prefer to see a completely empty property than a furnished one, removes any nagging doubts furniture has been strategically positioned to conceal a problem.

FinallyStoppedLurking

NaughtiusMaximus said:

I know I'm probably in the minority but I would actually prefer to see a completely empty property than a furnished one, removes any nagging doubts furniture has been strategically positioned to conceal a problem.

I do agree with you to an extent however whenever we went to see empty properties my wife had already decided she didn't like it before we even got through the door from the photos alone. I've got fairly good spacial awareness but hers isn't so great so I think that plays a part too.

My guess would be:
-People who like a furnished house could be completely put off by one that is empty. 
-People (like you) who would rather see a house empty, wouldn't be put off by a furnished house. 

NaughtiusMaximus

FinallyStoppedLurking said:

NaughtiusMaximus said:

I know I'm probably in the minority but I would actually prefer to see a completely empty property than a furnished one, removes any nagging doubts furniture has been strategically positioned to conceal a problem.

I do agree with you to an extent however whenever we went to see empty properties my wife had already decided she didn't like it before we even got through the door from the photos alone. I've got fairly good spacial awareness but hers isn't so great so I think that plays a part too.

I'm pretty good with spatial awareness too. When I'm looking at a house I try to imagine what it would be like with MY choice of decor and furnishings, something which I find easier if it's empty to start off with. Related to this I regard an accurate floorplan and room measurements as being as equally important in a listing as decent photos of each of the rooms.

FinallyStoppedLurking said:

NaughtiusMaximus said:

I know I'm probably in the minority but I would actually prefer to see a completely empty property than a furnished one, removes any nagging doubts furniture has been strategically positioned to conceal a problem.

My guess would be:
-People who like a furnished house could be completely put off by one that is empty. 
-People (like you) who would rather see a house empty, wouldn't be put off by a furnished house. 

Yes, probably correct.

pinkpiglit

NaughtiusMaximus said:

 Related to this I regard an accurate floorplan and room measurements as being as equally important in a listing as decent photos of each of the rooms.

That is key.  I won't bother to look at photos if there is no floor plan!

Hannimal

It's a bit cheeky but IKEA do take back unused resaleable furniture even if they are assembled for 360 days

kazwookie

If your house will be empty when you come to sell it, I suggest you clean it well, inc any carpets and leave it at that.

To me all this staging is simple nonsense, I know not everyone will agree with me.