Condo Staging

Condo staging is the practice of decorating in such a way that the condo is as attractive as possible to prospective buyers, but Realtors and their clients selling condos should be careful not to overdo it. Industry experts call it “over staging.”

 Some of the things commonly done as a part of condo staging including removing clutter from floors and tables, as well as putting family pictures out of sight and taking away extra pieces of furniture. These things are done to open up the space and make it easier for visiting prospective buyers coming to a showing or open house to better visualize themselves living in the condo.

 But as the old saying goes, “everything is good in moderation.” Don’t go overboard taking too many things away. You run the risk of giving your condo a cold appearance, devoid of character. Condo staging is a delicate balance, because going overboard   the other way is bad also. For instance, do not leave put out place settings or other decorations that could be recognized as either contrived props, or just clutter. Anything too big or unusual that would take away the attention from the house itself is also discouraged. “Over staging” is the term used in the industry for these over-the-top practices.l  

 If real or artificial flowers are used to brighten up rooms, owners are cautioned to make sure the flowers are correct for the time of year. So, for instance, tulips can be used in the spring, but replaced by flowers that bloom later in the year when summer comes around. Otherwise, a casual observer might get the impression that the condo was on the market for a long time, since the flowers were in bloom. In the case of real flowers, make sure they are not wilted. There is definitely an art to condo staging.

 Whether or not to upgrade a condo being sold is a related issue. Some people feel obligated to add all the newest appliances and popular touches, such as granite countertops, in order to sell their homes. But “condo stagers,” as the industry experts are known, say that the homeowner might not recoup their money n the final selling price, so it wouldn’t be worth going to that expense in most markets. But perhaps in an area with luxury condos, where all the sellers who have those upgrades, the cost might be worth it.

 Holiday decorations can also become an issue regarding condo staging. The industry experts say that while a Christmas tree and perhaps a few other decorations are appropriate for homeowners who celebrate the holiday, there is no need to decorate the whole house in a holiday theme.