When I first visited my client’s home, the office, was full of papers, file cabinets, overflowing bookcases and a saggy loveseat – all of which had seen better days. The house had been a bit neglected, as she had been busy raising her active children, so not only was there some basic maintenance to catch up on, but she wanted to move out as soon as possible to join her husband in another state.

I walked through each room and selected some basic furnishings and a few accessories for each room. It’s important to show potential buyers how they might use the space and to set up “vignettes.” REALTORS® know that a staged home sells more quickly and for a higher price than a vacant home.

BEFORE
• This tiny bedroom had been an overstuffed home office.
• The homeowners left their corner desk and a few accessories for me to stage the room.
• The empty desk looked too sterile and unrealistic. Just a few accessories would be needed to create a pleasing vignette.

AFTER
• Since the house was old and charming, I selected antique-looking accessories to dress the desk.
• A few books, a plant and some vintage photos were all that was necessary to add some warmth to the room.

Potential buyers liked the fixes and staging, and the house sold quickly!