Statistics vary for the benefits of home staging for selling houses. According to a report by the Christian Science Monitor, March 2006, staged homes sell for 7.4 percent more and in half the time. Some home stagers claim that staged luxury homes sell for 50 percent more. Whatever the statistics say, your chances of getting top dollar and selling faster increase when you decorate to sell. The practice of grooming a house before listing the property for sale has evolved from the "make it neutral" methods of the 1970s to decorating for the profiled home buyers. New home staging strategies include holiday decorating. Homes decorated for holiday celebrations speak to home shoppers. The 4th of July gives home sellers double psychological benefits. Not only do homes decked out with patriotic reinforcers make buyers feel connected to the community, the decorations make buyers feel like the home offers perfect entertaining opportunities. Stars, Stripes, and Swags During the 4th of July preparations, welcome buyers with patriotic flags or banners. If you have a front porch, swaged bunting or pleated fans with red, white, and blue stripes look great. Look for bunting that has sewn stripes, not printed, and clean finished edges. (Pleated fans source) How to Display Flags American flags require specific etiquette for respect. The American flag should proudly stand above any other flags, such as your state or personal flag. Hang flags vertically or horizontally with stars positioned at the top left-hand corner when facing the flag. Flags should never touch the ground and should be taken down or illuminated after dark. Add small decorative flags to embellish wreaths and potted plants. Red, white, and blue streamers, ribbons, and flowers finish the staged home's exterior. You can find many flowering annuals at your local nursery in patriotic colors. Use abundant white because it shows up best after dark. Even though buyers like to look at houses during the day, they frequently drive by at night. Continue the party and patriotic theme inside with fresh flowers. Red roses, white Baby's Breath, white statice, blue statice and blue Belladonna make great-looking arrangements. Add little flags, ribbons, and streamers to greenery for simple but effective display. Staging your home for the 4th of July helps create a buyers' "Dream Home" and makes you feel great at the same time! Copyright 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher |
