Why is home staging so important before putting an empty home on the market?
I am constantly trying to learn from markets that are better organized and better educated than the Costa Rica real estate market. For that reason, I spend a lot of time online and lately on Google+. The advantage of Google+ is that thousands of real estate agents from all over the world post their articles and blogs.
Recently, I connected with Lorrie White, a home staging professional from upstate New York because she posted the following on her Google+ page:
“Special Thanks to Lisa Notarfrancesco, with Exit Eagan Real Estate for your referral. Wow, SOLD on the very first day the home was unveiled at the first public/brokers open house. I will never forget the exciting phone call when that full price offer came in. I must have happy danced for hours, haha! Fun!”
Then I saw another post in the NEW YORK TIMES stating “Staging homes is steadily rising across the country.”
Then I really got interested.
The next post about staging empty homes was even more interesting as they are the hardest to sell:
“Introducing homes SOLD in 60 days or less!!!! I created this service with the seller’s budget in mind. It offers a new and cost-effective way of presenting vacant listings while saving the home seller the costly expense of furniture leasing!! It has grown to be quite popular as its turning listings fast and has now become a highly requested service in vacant homes.”
At full price?
Now, selling a home in Costa Rica on the very first day at full price, I’d like to see that miracle happen. My wife is an interior decorator and I am a real estate agent who is always trying to be better than my competitors. So, I got really interested and started reading the different blogs Lorrie had posted.
Meet Lorrie White, the home staging specialist from New York
You know, 90% of the homes we list for sale in Costa Rica, the sellers don’t really care about how their house looks. No matter how many simple recommendations I give my sellers to work on their curb appeal, getting rid of the clutter and clean up the dog poop. Nobody seems to care a poop.
Years on the market
Some Costa Rican homes for sale are on the market for years and have an abundance of homes to choose from has left the buyer’s market very particular and demanding. The reason is not only the lack of an MLS and the cooperation of the real estate agents. Sellers are simply not willing to spend some extra money to show their property as best as possible.
Home staging can be a great solution to show your property with the home’s strengths highlighted, the weaknesses downplayed and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective home buyers.
So the answer to the question in the title of this blog is YES. Home staging in Costa Rica is necessary if you want to sell your home as soon as possible. Ask your American European real estate agent, even if you don’t sign an exclusive sales agreement, for recommendations and do yourself a favor by following them up. Contact an American European agent in your area now if you would like to list your property with us.
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While we’re at it, I DO want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us. Finally, please remember the American-European real estate Group’s agents when you refer a real estate agent. Because we DO appreciate your business.
