At Premiere Home Stagers we work with sellers of both occupied and vacant homes for sale. Our goal is to maximize the appeal of the home to any buyer, thus increasing its marketability.
Once in a while we run across a home that is not vacant, but barely occupied either. Such was the case this week. We assumed we would be placing furniture from our inventory in the home but discovered someone is living there in minimal fashion. Because the occupant is staying while the home is on the market, we needed to change gears and make recommendations using the homeowner’s belongings.
We selected three rooms to focus on — the living room, dining area and main floor family room.
Partially furnished living room
The living room is seen first when entering the home. This room felt unbalanced because the remainder of the furniture had been moved to the family room.
Our recommendations:
- Move loveseat back at right angle to the sofa
- Remove small wall hangings, reposition others
- Replace dated drapes with swags from family room
- Purchase new throw pillows in a warm tone
- Dining room with a view
This dining area is the other view from the front entry. As a vacant space it calls attention to any defect. Our suggestions included:
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Remove brown mini-blinds for an uncluttered window
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Continue the warm paint color throughout the room
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Remove gas grill from the sightline
- Add dining table, chairs, centerpiece and a colored area rug
We want this room to invite diners in to enjoy the view of the deep backyard.
Partially furnished family room
This family room flows off the kitchen and has the potential to give the home an open concept feel. But the loveseat forms a visual barrier and the furniture again feels unbalanced. Our sense is that this area shows best without furniture.
We suggested the following:
- Remove all other furniture and accessories. (The loveseat has been repositioned into the living room)
- Remove dark and dated window treatments and border
- Paint the dark stained ceiling white to give height to the space
We love to start with a “blank canvas”. But when that isn’t possible we brainstorm to make the best use of what is available in a home. With several suggestions in other rooms this home will gain more appeal to potential buyers.
