It's a fair question and one I'm asked frequently. In fact, on the two appointments I had this morning both homeowners had asked that very question.
And because it's an important question, I thought it beneficial to add that many home stagers offer a variety of options from which to select. A home staging professional will also provide specific recommendations on what rooms would benefit the most. This typically occurs after they've had a chance to see the home first-hand.
Now to answer the question, it's important to consider the following:
1. What room(s) will the prospective buyers be entering when they arrive to see the home?
2. Is there an entrance (formal or otherwise)?
The answer to these two questions will most definitely play into the decision as to what rooms would benefit the most from being home staged.
Let's assume, for the purposes of this post, that the home has an entrance; a dining room to the left and a formal living room to the right. This seems to be a pretty common layout in most homes. Because buyers form opinions immediately upon entering the home, these three areas/rooms would be considered "key" rooms to have staged.
Other "key" rooms from a buyer's perspective are:
- Kitchen/Kitchen Eat-in
- Living room/den/family room
- Master Bedroom & bathroom
Why are these rooms important? Because the buyers, when they purchase the home, will be spending the majority of their time in these rooms. When staged properly, they will appeal to the buyer's on an emotional level.
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I am thinking kitchen, master bath, dining room, if there is furniture, and living room if the client can afford it. I always notice the staging in the kitchen, master bath and fireplace mantle at the very least in the LR or FR.
Hi Kathy,
I agree with you completely and couldn't have said it better myself! The only difference between our 'theories' is wording...you say 'key' areas and I call them 'impact' rooms!
Val
As an ASP, Accredited Staging Professional, I would say "The More the Merrier" Any time you enter an Empty room, it leaves you flat. If you are staging a high dollar home, Staging is a MUST, and you will reap what you sow. If it is a lower priced home, on a low budget, there are plenty of ways to Snaz up a room without spending a lot. I think a partially staged home defeats the purpose.
I agree with those rooms. First Impressions are everything..
I agree, those first three area's can be a deal maker or breaker. Thank you for the post.
Sherry - thanks for your comments. I agree.
Val - I love your use of the word "impact" as it's a perfect description.
Claudia - The more the merrier is nice, for sure (smile). However, not all budgets can accomodate. For me personally, and having offered key room staging for years, it's an extremely effective means in which to showcase the key rooms within the home and has been extremely effective.
Thanks, Laura.
Hi, Lorinda - Thanks for your comment!
Kathy
Kathy, I agree, with the "key" rooms. I always start with the foyer/entry, I explain to my clients how important a warm and welcoming entry is. Is should say "welcome, come on in". I put a nice new welcome mat at the front entrance on every home I stage.
Very good information to share, Kathy. As a real estate agent it helps me to understand a little more about the strategy of staging, and that it's not an all-or-nothing proposition.
This is a great post! Depending on floor plan-the most important rooms to stage are the rooms you see when you open the front door!! Sometimes this can include several rooms! First impressions rule!!
Kathy: I usually recommend staging the "public rooms" - entry, living room, dining room, kitchen, powder room and family room (usually all on the first floor here in CA), plus the Master Bedroom and bath. If money is tight, then we will suggest leaving out the family room. I think most of the secondary bedrooms are less important, but am happy to comply if a home owner wants them done.
Donna - You're absolutely right. A warm and welcoming entry is so key to creating a great first impression! I love how you place a new welcome mat at each of your homes.
Thanks, John. I'm glad it helped.
Cathy - thanks!!
Michelle - I like your use of the words "public rooms" as it's very descriptive. And I'm with you on the secondary bedrooms; I'm more than happy to stage those rooms if that's what the homeowner wants. Thanks for your comment.
Kathy
Let me chime in that I agree as well. While it would be nice if the sellers could afford to stage every room in the house that is just simply not the case.
My partner and I have become comletely sold on staging, and while we agree in the "first impression" and "impact" arguements, we have found this year that our stager has opted for more minimalist staging throughout the home. He uses better but fewer well chosen pieces and as a result can do more rooms in the house for the budget. We found it wildly successful, and as a result it's easier than ever to convince sellers to stage. It's like a snowball effect! Also, we find the minimalism makes the desired impression, while our stager's expert placement still makes almost every room look large and inviting. Believe me, we're staging's biggest cheerleaders in the New Orleans market!
Kathy, these are great tips. You've got some great ideas. Ever think of moving to Eureka too? We could use a couple of good staging companies in our market. I think it would make a huge difference.