How to Stage A Vacant House

When a house is on the market, presentation is extremely important. Once a buyer gets past the curb, the interior of the home must win them over immediately. It is much harder to evoke feelings of warmth and sophistication when the property is vacant. Buyers not only look at a house with their eyes but also with their heart. In order for a property to be appealing all the best features of the home need to be highlighted. The average buyer has a plethora of homes to choose from. This makes it imperative for sellers to do what they can to make their property stand out above the rest.

In the Michigan market, many homeowners are leaving the state to find work before they have the chance to sell their home. This causes a potential problem. When a house is left vacant, every flaw is obvious and the space as a whole, does not usually feel warm and inviting. Buyers spend much less time in the property because there is really nothing to draw them into the rooms, and if a buyer does not walk in and look in every room, it is not likely they are going to purchase that property. With the market as hard as it is in our area right now, buyers know they have the upper hand and tend to become much more fastidious in the qualities they are looking for in a home.

A vacant property can be turned into a welcoming home by concentrating on the “important spaces”. When I say this I am referring to the spaces that will make the buyer want to purchase this home instead of the one up the block. These usually consist of the formal living room, kitchen, family room, and master suite. Staging should focus a buyer’s attention on the positive aspects of a home. A fireplace needs to have a piece of artwork or some eye-catching accessory on the mantle. A set of chairs facing the fireplace will definitely cause a buyer to pause and take a closer look at the room. Great views should be shown off with drapes, as long as they do not cover the window. Counter space can be accented with a decorative plate or set of canisters. Buyers love the thought of having a family room, so placing a cozy chair with a table and lamp by the window is a nice way to give the feeling of home. I feel very strongly that master bedrooms should have a bed in them. Preferably, queen size with bedding. This will allow buyers to quickly assess how their bed will fit in the room as well as add drama to pull them into the space. Vacant properties do not have to have a piece of furniture in every room as long as the features of the home are shown in the best light. Be aware though, that throwing a folding chair and an old lamp into a room will not entice buyers to enter. The furniture selected must look and feel like it belongs in the home or it will just look like a bad staging job.

There are a few options when it comes to finding furniture and accessories to stage a vacant property. If a seller has not made the move yet, instead of selling, or donating the furnishings they do not want to take with them, they should look around the house and see how to use these pieces to showcase the home. Friends and family are great resources for extra items to borrow. Renting furniture is an option but can be expensive and usually means a minimum of 6 months commitment for the homeowner. If a seller would rather not deal with the hassle of schlepping furniture from the house once it sells or spend the time to track down pieces that will work for the space; the best option is to hire a professional. Home Stagers make it their business to find the perfect furniture and accessories to complement the feel and style of each home. Most will have accessories and art available to rent and may receive discounts at local furniture rental places. They are experts in the field of preparing properties to go on the market and know the best way to showcase each feature of the home without spending unneeded time and money to do it. Staging is quickly becoming the norm in the Real estate industry.

Selling a home in this market is not easy. Selling a vacant property is even harder. The average buyer does not take the time to imagine how a space will look and how their things will work, if there is nothing to compare it to. Sellers must take the initiative to prepare their property in order get those offers!

©2007 Heather Durren, ASP, IAHSP
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