That means making some changes, whether it be sprucing up a room or rearranging furniture, so the home stimulates the buyer's imagination and makes them think what their lifestyle would be like if they lived there.
Those who lack the necessary creativity to make their home sparkle will want to call Belinda O'Brien, a New Lenox resident and professional home stager.
O'Brien started her own business, Elegant Stager, in September and has already helped a handful of owners sell their homes in today's challenging market conditions.
"We come into a home and do much more than just remove clutter," O'Brien said. "We try to downplay the flaws and bring out the best features in your home so you can sell it faster and for more money. In today's market, your home needs to stand out above the competition."
O'Brien said the three owners she has worked with since opening Elegant Stager have a "100 percent success rate" of selling their home. One of the homes was a four-room ranch in Elmhurst that had been on the market for more than three years. Within three weeks of staging, the home was sold, she said.
"Sometimes a home that is too personalized can turn away a potential buyer," O'Brien said. "The seller was using one of the rooms as an office, so we went in and changed [the office] to a kid's room and made some changes to the dining room and the home sold right away."
O'Brien, who was trained and certified by the Home Staging Resource, said a majority of houses are "staged" in one day using existing furniture. If additional or different furniture is wanted, O'Brien will work with a furniture rental company to create the homeowner's desired look, she said.
Homes less than 2,000 square feet typically cost under $500 to stage, O'Brien said. Staged homes are 50 percent more likely to sell than ones that are non-staged, and 91 percent of realtors recommend sellers stage their home, she said.
"In this buyer's market, first impressions are everything," O'Brien said. "When a buyer walks into your home, they form an impression within seconds. You want that impression to be warm and inviting — that 'at home feel.'"
O'Brien also recommended condominium owners stage their residence and those selling an empty house furnish their property to maximize selling potential. At the end of her home staging, O'Brien presents a checklist of tips and suggestions to the owner so they can keep their home in the top selling appearance.
Elegant Stager will work on any home or condo, O'Brien said. All services begin with an evaluation of the home and discussion of goals, expectations, focal points and trouble spots. Those interested in having their home staged by Elegant Stager should contact O'Brien at (708) 209-0087 or e-mail her at Belinda@elegantstager.com. More information can also be found at
www.elegantstager.com.
O'Brien will host a free seminar at the New Lenox Public Library titled "Preparing Your Home for Today's Market" at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3. The event is open to the public.