Why Staging A Home Matters

Maureen McDermut

Why Staging Is Important To Sell Your Montecito Home

Selling a home in Montecito or Santa Barbara takes a lot more than just a listing on the MLS and a sign in the yard. With over 83% of home buyers beginning their search online, knowing how to present a home to the public is increasingly important. One of the ways I work to help showcase homes is by staging a home. 

What Does Staging A Home Mean?

Staging a home is more about what ISN'T visible than what is. Decluttering is an essential process in staging. When bedrooms in Montecito homes have too much furniture, they can look smaller. When a kitchen has a lot of countertop appliances, it is difficult for the potential buyer to envision themselves preparing a meal. Keeping countertops clear and furniture to a minimum is one way to ensure the spaciousness of your home is highlighted in photos. 

Recently, I spoke with Redfin about how to help style a studio apartment. I gave them some of the same advice used when it comes to staging a home for sale.

Another major factor in staging is lighting. Maximizing the natural light in a home is key to showcasing some of the best features. When you have stunning hardwood floors, showing how the light provides a glisten creates a warm and inviting look to the photos of your living room or kitchen.

Another factor to take into consideration when staging a home for sale is color. Too much color can turn a prospective buyer off, as it can look garish or overblown. However, too little color can create a drab appearance, giving your home a muted look that can leave buyers feeling bored. 

Neutral tones with a few pops of color will help buyers see what is already available, and also give them a sense of what can be done when they arrive. If a buyer has a particular item they can envision it in the rooms of the home. This will entice them to want to see the home in person.

Montecito and Santa Barbara homes are almost inherently gorgeous. But finding the right buyer still takes effort. Staging can make a world of difference.

Why Stage My Home In A Seller's Market?

Staging your home might seem like an unnecessary investment of time and money when homes are flying off the market. However, in Montecito, selling your home still takes effort, as luxury homes are not moving as rapidly as other sectors of the market. This means that buyers still have choices in the luxury market.

Even in today's seller's market, buyers are looking for homes they can move into with as little work as possible. By providing a clean, organized presentation of your home online, you are giving a prospective home buyer the chance to see your home and envision their new lifestyle. Without it, your photography will end up looking cluttered, dark, and uninviting. The speed at which a buyer will pass by a home online is lightning quick, and this can lead to your home sitting on the market longer than necessary.

If you're thinking of selling your Montecito or Santa Barbara home, hire a Realtor that understands the intricacies of selling homes for top dollar. Contact me today and let's discuss your goals for 2021.

WORK WITH Maureen

Maureen has been around the industry for a lifetime. Her business is based on the core values and ethics taught to her at a very young age: integrity, honesty, and great communication.

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