I am often asked by sellers this question.  Why do I have to stage my house?  "I live here; I have children; my husband and I work and just do not have the time to pick up, move furniture, pack up things; we have just outgrown the house and there is no where to put things; my storage unit is full." 
     Well, I am right there with you.  If I had to put my house on the market, it would take me weeks to get ready!  However, here are some thoughts on the subject and then you decide:

1.   The market is competitive regardless of your price point.  Buyers want to be able to see walls and floors so that they can imagine their furniture in your home.
2.  Neat and clean gives a feeling of pride in ownership, keeping safety of buyers always in mind as they walk through your home.
3.  It shows that you are a serious seller; you have done what is necessary to put your home on the market.

     Now if you cannot accomplish the cleaning and decluttering of your "nest," well, discuss this with your Realtor.  Yes, it is a hassle, I know.  But the rewards can be more buyers viewing your house in person or on line.  We live in a very technological age of selling homes!  Videos, pictures, visual tours to name just a few.  Buyers are always looking at pictures and judging:  do I want to see this home?  Is it a waste of my time, or can I (the buyer) look past the clutter and disorganization? 

     When I visit with sellers, I spend quite a bit of time on this subject and I try to offer many solutions, from buying inexpensive storage crates to what is your budget for a storage unit?  It is hard to part with our possessions, I know.  But the time to clean is right before you list.  As a Realtor, I always leave DVD's about staging so that my sellers get a good idea of what a buyer expects. 

     If you are interested in selling, I have lots of helpful suggestions for you.  And, go to your local book store, and in the real estate sections, you will find tons of books on the subject.  Remember, your "nest" is you. 

     BTW:  I have officially joined the "blog-asphere!"  I have much to say.  Thanks for reading this, and please post your comments. 

Book:  "Peggy's Corner, Stage Your Home for Profit"  Book with DVD by Peggy Selinger-Eaton

Vicki Dyer
Vicki Dyer, Realtor, e-Pro, CRS, CREO
RE/MAX Center
Cell:  (678) 478-3750  VM: (678) 804-2417
Fax:   (866) 242-2892
www.TheVickiDyerTeam.com
Vicki@TheVickiDyerTeam.com
www.VickiSellsAtlanta.com
www.SoldonVicki.com

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