Success in Staging

The benefits of staging a home for sale are well known to local real estate agents, many of whom can recall their own success stories. I remember one development where the agents just seemed to be moving furniture from one unit to another – as each unit sold quickly after staging. But, some homeowners may not understand the importance of professional interior design when presenting a home for sale.

Interior Designer, Andrew Terrat has provided staging and interior design services for many years. The owner of Terrat Elms has staged model condominiums for newly constructed developments, such as FP3. He has also designed home interiors for homeowners in Boston, including clients at the Ritz. Each example offers a different style personality – from brick and beam urban lofts to casual beach retreats. Terrat uses a combination of the homeowner’s personality and the style of construction.

Terrat believes staging can help a buyer to make a personal connection to the home. “Home buyers have an immediate connection – or not – to a home when they see it. My experience is that you have one opportunity to make that connection. Staging a property effectively can seal the deal. Is the common hallway pleasant? Is the first look into the home instriguing?” Terrat also notes there is a real value proposition in staging. “My experience is that buyers are inclined to choose and are willing to pay more for a property that has been renovated well and that shows well. I always have resale in mind when working with clients.”

For more information, go to TerratElms.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.