Remotely staging properties is a growing trend in the pandemic. And the service may stick around even after the health crisis is over, considering the success some stagers are having.
Home stager Francesca Mahoney with Creekhill Designs LLC in Holly Springs, N.C., did a video staging consultation with sellers in April, and then the home went under contract in just 12 hours. The homeowner emailed pictures of the home to Mahoney, and they met over a FaceTime video call for two hours to stage the 3,000-square-foot property, inside and out.
In the family room, Mahoney honed in on the fireplace in the back corner. She had the sellers move the sofa and pare down the furniture and accessories, which drew eyes to the fireplace first. She also urged the sellers to remove distracting decorative items and accessories, limiting kitchen countertops to only three items.
On curb appeal, she guided them in showcasing the front porch, such as with the addition of rocking chairs, hanging baskets of flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and a new doormat. “Today’s buyers are very discerning due to HGTV and Pinterest,” Mahoney says. “Getting compelling and beautiful listing photos is always critical, but even more so in our current reality.”
Mahoney plans to continue offering remote staging consultations even after the pandemic. “I have been pleasantly surprised at how effective they are,” Mahoney says.
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Read more about remote staging in the latest issue of REALTOR® Magazine.