Staging a vacant property

Staging a vacant property is necessary simply enough because an selling it is never an easy task but it is even harder in a slow market. Why? The short answer is because most people can't see past the empty walls! Staging it will make ALL the difference and will allow you to sell it «well».

WHY?

• People buy «homes», not houses

  An empty house looks cold and uninviting. Potential buyers will have a hard time connecting emotionally to an empty space, which does not feel like «home».

• No reference points

  Most people have a hard time imagining the space as a potential home if it contains no furniture. Without furniture, potential buyers have nothing to help them. The purpose, dimensions and size of a room can be confusing. The rooms will look too big or too small without any furniture, as the appropriately sized and positioned furniture will make each room look its best, no matter the size. Furthemore, the existing furniture, however minimal, will allow the potential buyers to compare with what they have and take mental measurements of how their own furniture would look in that space.

• Most people can't visualize

  Did you know that 9 out of 10 people can't visualize the potential of a home? They just don't see how wonderful the property could be, if there is nothing to help them - furniture, lighting, accessories....

• Buyers will notice the negatives

  Any imperfections (floor, walls, ceiling, moldings, window frames, etc.) will be much more noticeable as there is nothing else to look at.

• Avoid bargain hunters and tire kickers

  An empty house just does not look as well taken care of as it could be and might give the impression of a potentially 'desperate' situation, almost inviting the buyer to lower the offered price.
  

  A personal example: the second home I bought was empty (a couple of seniors moved into a residence and the children were selling vacant property). I remember not finding it attractive at all at first and almost walking out...The only thing that made me stay was the fact that I was looking for a 'deal' - very good neighborhood, the house sat on the market for a while, the children were very anxious to get rid of it and I needed to move from a condo to a house, as I had a small child. All these factors combined (and not having very much money) decided me on that house and I did get it for a very reasonable price!

  Excellent place to be if you are a buyer but definitely not, if you are a seller!

  BEFORE	AFTER
  An empty bedroom transformed - cozy!
  An inviting dining space for two!
  A living room out of nothing - invite friends over!

  As you can see, staging a vacant property makes a huge difference! This house was not selling, even after some renovations were performed. It sold two months after it was staged.

  

  More «before» and «after» pictures of staged vacant properties are available so you can see for yourself the difference it made.

  How to stage an empty house

  If you are staging a vacant property, you should look at all options available to make it look «lived in». Don't worry, there is help out there! And Home Staging Montreal has developed an expertise at staging empty homes!

  First, can you leave any of your own furniture behind for a while? The house does not have to be competely furnished but we recommend that some main areas look 'lived in'. The rooms which are the most important are the kitchen, living room, dining room, master bedroom and a bathroom. If you can't leave anything, can you borrow from friends/family any quality items which will help you to stage your empty home?

  Another great alternative is renting furniture on a short-term basis. Home Staging Montreal has a large inventory of furniture and accessories available for rental on a monthly basis at a reasonabe cost for staging a vacant property. We partner with specialized rental stores as well, when needed, to provide brand new, beautiful furniture and accessories.

  We will be happy to help staging a vacant property by accompanying you to select the furniture and accessories or do it all for you!

  Please contact us for a quote on your specific situation.

  Being creative is what we do, so depending on your situation and circumstances, we'll find solutions that fit your budget. So, put all the chances on your side and make selling an empty house easy and more profitable for you by staging it!
  
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