But many short sale sellers face a dilemma. They're already upside-down on the mortgage and may be reluctant to spend a lot of money to hire a professional home stager to stage those homes, especially if they are in foreclosure. If a homeowner is facing a financial hardship, it could be next to impossible to pour more money into a home when all the owner wants is out.
That's why I asked Ryan Brown, star of Bravo TV's Flipping Out, to share with us how a seller can stage a short sale home without spending a fortune. Ryan Brown also co-owns Los Angeles-based Brown Design, an interior design and residential development firm. He knows what it takes to get home buyers excited.
How to Stage a Short Sale Home For Pennies
Elizabeth Weintraub: "Many of the short sale sellers I work with in Sacramento do not have the cash to spruce up their home or stage that home before selling. What can short sale sellers do to make their homes more desirable to buyers without breaking the bank to stage it?"
Ryan Brown: "Most people who have lived in their homes for some time stop seeing things that need attention. Many buyers decide if they like a house or not within a few minutes of arriving – you have to make yours not only look good, but memorable. For example, how many of us have left a leaking faucet or loose door knob unattended for months?
- "I recommend that sellers ask a close friend to do a walk-through of their house and to be brutally honest about the things that stand out to them.
- "Start by addressing the things your friend mentions.
- "Move on to taking out all of the knickknacks and clutter.
- "Finally, many spaces are over-furnished, which makes rooms look smaller and less welcoming. Remove excess furniture to lighten up and open up the room."
How to Stage a Short Sale With Inexpensive Accessories
Elizabeth Weintraub: "Accessories play a huge role in your design principles, Ryan. Many of them appear to come from such retailers as Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel or Restoration Hardware. Where can a short sale seller who maybe can’t afford to pay those retail prices find reasonably priced accessories?"
Ryan Brown: "High-end retailers aren't the only popular places to find accessories.
- "I just found out about Home Goods, which is an excellent resource for deeply discounted accessories. TJ Maxx and Ross also have some great finds.
- "Another option is to visit your local second-hand stores, flea markets, or yard sales to scope out used items – this is also a much greener route to take since you are not purchasing new.
- "Last, you might ask a friend if you could borrow some artwork or accessories for a month or two until you sell the house."
How to Frugally Stage the Exterior of Your Short Sale
Elizabeth Weintraub: "Curb appeal carries a tremendous amount of weight in real estate. If a buyer is turned off by the landscaping and home’s exterior, the buyer might not get out of the car to go inside the home.
"What can a homeowner do to increase curb appeal, apart from mowing the lawn, washing windows and planting a flower garden? Do you have tips that may appear subtle yet can make the home appear warm and inviting?"
Ryan Brown: "Little things make a big difference.
- "Clean out the rain gutters, make sure your mailbox is not crooked, and clean stains off a driveway.
- "Clean up your exterior lamps, and replace burned-out light bulbs in case a potential buyer drives by at night.
- "Finally, a quart of good quality glossy paint can transform your front door from drab to fab. Pick a fun color. I just painted mine a bright green!"
