In the Nevada City/Grass Valley area, there is a lot of competition. Viewing homes in your price range will help to give you an idea of what you are competing with. Then decide on what you need to do to stand out from the rest of the crowd, it may be staging or more decluttering, painting, pruning or more competitive pricing. Make sure that when that Buyer comes along in your price range, they would be a fool not to choose you.

Your house must be neat and clean at all times--don't forget the outside curb appeal, that too must look it's best. You mentioned that you have been listed for a while, have you done any price reductions, if not, now is the time to consider an adjustment, then worry about staging.

Anna
917-576-5376
abrocco@laffey

A clean decluttered house is a big plus. Is there good lighting? Could it maybe be too perfect and sterile, that it is hard to imagine living there? Are there any other issues that have been brought up during showings?

You don't say what price range you are in, that makes a difference in what type of "staging" too.

In the current market, it is critical (10/10 on your scale) that sellers prepare their house to appeal to the most potential buyers. Staging is more than de-cluttering. That being said, staging alone will not sell a house. When staging is used in combination with appropriate pricing and marketing, it can be a winning combination.

Please understand staging is not interior design; if it is done properly it will not be overdone. I've seen things people "call" staging which is not staging at all. So, be careful if you decide to do it.

As to answering your question - it depends.... is it common in the market place? How are you priced compared to the market place?

In resales, with occupied homes, I consider it SO critical that I pay for it as part of my listing package. Does that give you a clue?

Good answer from Bill. in the situation i spoke about earlier,all anybody noticed was the furniture(which nobody liked--too overdone) People are more likely to be impressed by a nice yard,some nice potted plants by the front door than some overdone window treatments that had their heyday in the 60's. When my sisteer in memphis was readyto put her house on the market 2 yrs. ago--i advised her first--to put herslef in her agent's hands--she had a top agent from a top company in that area. Suggested she get rid of all the family pictures,every morning before leaving,stash all the personal stuff--grooming articles,kitchen cleaning stuff under the respective sinks. She had her house professionally cleaned every Friday 7 then retreated to their country house for the weekend(OBVIOUSLY NOT AN OPTION FOR EVERYONE) and th house sold in less than 2 wks. at full price.

Sharon,

Our best suggestion is to both look for and accept real feedback on the home. Many times agents will soft soap the home in terms of what the issues attached to to home are. At this point you need to know what is standing between you and selling your home. We seriously doubt, the reason for it not selling is because of the furnishings.....

Consider pricing, curb appeal, visibility, marketing plan, etc. and make adjustments where possible.

We agree that "staging" may help present your home in a better light and may even increase the amount it sells. Our recommendation, decrease the amount it would cost for staging from the "asking price." ........the number ONE reason why any home does not sell.

i think staging can be way overdone. The worst thing in my opinion is those overblown table arrangements that only make the room look smaller &cluttered. Also overdone window treatments that block out the light. i remember touring one house that was priced at a milion plus--very very high for this part of the country. The seller who called herself an interior designer,although lacking the 6yrs. education & apprenticeship required by the state of Louisiana(believe it!) had so much crystal on the dining rm table that everyone was afraid to go into the room for fear of knocking something over. although this was a waterfront home with beautiful views,she chose to cover up the windows with layers & layers of window treatments that blocked the view and the light. and made the house look like a cave. Everyone on the tour couldn't get out fast enough. this house has been on the market off & on for about 6 yrs.i think you have done the right thing by just decluttering and making yur home impersonal for potential buyers. IMO staging is way overrated.

Sharon:

Depends on whether or not you want to sell for top dollar or not ...

Read the following post for mt opinion:

http://www.trulia.com/blog/carl_medford/2009/04/why_you_need…

(10)