Real Estate Staging - Clutter or Accentuate Features?

I had an opportunity to visit UC Berkeley’s, Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, and was impressed by the overall design of the exterior and interior.  Designed by Diller Scofidio + Benfro, the building offers a total of 83,000 square feet that features a public area, cafe, theatre for film and gallery space for art.  

As I walked through the different galleries, I overheard one couple discussing the design of the interior, and mentioned how the museum offers a design that is sleek, forward-looking and clean.  The art didn’t overpower the architecture of the building and vice versa.  Finding that balance is difficult, which sparked my interest in relating this to Real Estate staging.  

I have done numerous Broker tours and noticed that the staging furniture and artwork takes over the natural features of the home.  If you have french doors, showcase the doors.  Don’t overpower the area with excessive furniture and clutter.  Every property has features that make it unique and utilizing staging can accentuate those features.  Proper staging will not overwhelm your buyer when they tour your home.  

Understanding the demographic of your buyer is the first consideration you should take when hiring a staging company.  Staging the property is to entice and excite a buyers’ emotion when they walk through the doors.  As a seller your goal is obtaining the highest price.  Therefore, understanding the demographic of buyers in the area, and their specific wants will yield a higher offer price.  

With so many staging companies out there, it is crucial to partner with your agent to find a staging company that meets your needs.  Asking for a portfolio of work they have completed will provide you with a clear understanding of if the company is a good fit for you.  Staging is a crucial part in the sale of your property and should not be overlooked.