SETTING THE STAGE FOR SALES

NAR regional vice president John Veneris says home sellers should ask their agent about staging to make a good first impression with buyers. Ninety-three percent of residences that are staged spend no more than 31 days on the market, while it takes 161 days or more to sell homes that have not been staged, according to Barb Schwarz of International Home Staging. Despite the benefits of staging, National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents President Jon Boyd says staging should not conceal material defects; and he notes that the process does not do anything to expand square footage, boost neighborhood quality or improve location. However, a 2007 report from the buyers agents group calls staging "a smart way for home sellers to present their home to you to get the highest possible price." Staging does not have to cost a lot of money; and staging experts urge homeowners to install new window treatments, use neutral colors, replace carpeting and ensure the home is clean.

Source: Chicago Tribune (03/30/08) Brennan, Anne
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