The De-Cluttering Myth
One of my biggest PET PEEVES about this topic is that there is such a strong misconception in the Real Estate marketing world around the subject of de-cluttering.
Decluttering a home is NOT staging it, it is only the prep to do to make a clear path for staging.
Often I see the pitfalls of not de-cluttering at all, as well as de-cluttering too much and then calling it staged.
Sellers who Don’t declutter
To be straight up, if you skip the declutter process, the first impression is very “lacking and distracting”. Buyers are never interested in wading through a sea of other people’s things. Kid’s art on the fridge, piles of laundry and detergents, boxes of possessions, totes full of camping gear, and WORST of all the secrets in the closets! No one wants to know what the Seller’s habits, lifestyle choices and likes are.
Judgement happens
The buyer isn’t there to make a judgement about the Seller’s life, however that invariably happens. Your mess gives them a front row seat to your secrets and everyday life. When a buyer gets the insider scoop on your life, they adjust their offers to take advantage of that. Plain and simple, it’s human nature.
Where do you start when planning to sell?
My first piece of advice is do a proper de-clutter of your home. Plans for this can be obtained through a Professional Staging Consultation with myself, before you even start anything else when preparing to sell. Or get your own copy of my eBook for all the checklists and more:
https://stageandsell.samcart.com/products/stage-and-sell-your-property-faster
The next part of the De-cluttering problem is to OVER de-clutter. Wiping out every trace of human existence in an occupied home and then calling it “staged” is the KISS OF DEATH.
Why? Because it sends the message that you are in distress and have to sell in a hurry, or can’t afford to even furnish the home and need to sell for financial issue reasons. There is no ambiance or welcoming feeling in that plan. Buyers are looking for that “loving feeling” when they are searching for their new digs.
If intense de-cluttering is implemented and then called “staged”, it misrepresents the staging industry, and does the Seller a disservice because they think they are going to get the same results as if they would when truly staged.
Three Part Process
Property Staging first requires a consultation, that includes a de-clutter and cleaning/repair plan, then the staging. This is a three part process that should be followed step by step for the optimal results.
The Staging part is the icing on the cake
It involves the adding back in of décor and furniture items to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, as well as implementation of a proper furniture layout for maximizing space visually. The proper use of color, style and lifestyle selling techniques also build a great first impression for the buyers.
As a Professionally trained Home Stager and Interior Decorator, I utilize spatial planning, scale and balance, traffic flow and designer concepts, all while staying true the marketing goal of the home.
Staging is the final detail in the marketing of the home and it’s really one of three very important parts!
For solid advice on preparing your home for sale in today’s market, let’s book a no obligation 15 minute strategy call
Jill Turgeon
REALTOR® @ One Percent Realty & RESA Award Winning Home Stager
& Owner of Simply Irresistible Interiors
780-218-7444
https://linktr.ee/thestagingagent
Offering her optional “Stage and Sell Real Estate” services to her listing clients, she can strategize with you on the best way to set your home apart for selling
*This website in whole, is not intended to solicit listings that are currently under contract to other brokerages.
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