Home staging is important after other qualifications are met first.
When selling real estate on Lake George, the land that the building sits on is actually the first consideration. For instance, is it on a bay or the main lake, and is it protected from waves and storms? How rough is the water on a daily basis? Likewise, the functionality of the land is important. Is it flat or is there a steep slope to the water’s edge? What are the views like?
After all of these questions, and more, have been answered, the buyer’s final consideration is the appeal of the home itself. Can they envision themselves living and entertaining there? Do they connect with the space emotionally? To help attain this, many sellers are hiring professional home stagers and consultants or employing DIY home staging techniques.
A properly staged home showcases its strengths and minimize its flaws. In addition to deep cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, staging considers color and lighting, as well as positioning or removal of furniture, clutter and accessories. If done well, proper staging can help sell a home faster and, usually, at a higher price.
Here are a few tips to consider when staging a home to sell on Lake George.
Know Your Buyer – Defining your target market is the key to staging because it helps you determine the type of style that your home should evoke. In Lake George, second home buyers make up a majority of the real estate market, which means their “dream home” is likely a vacation retreat. To attract these buyers, your home should feel like an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and include Adirondack style and rustic charm.
Remove Clutter – Remember, you want potential buyers to connect with the space, so it’s important to remove or stow away personal items that don’t fit the image of their “dream home”. A home office, for example, can be transformed into a reading nook by removing the desk, tucking away the laptop, and adding a big comfy chair and books.
Match Décor to Home Value – With staging, selling a home is more about selling a lifestyle, so it’s important that the furnishings match the home’s value. While many buyers will be looking for Adirondack charm, décor that is too rustic will be a turn off to high-end buyers. If you’re targeting the luxury market, your furniture and accessories should reflect that, as well. Think “rustic elegance” and look to the area’s high-end Adirondack lodges and resorts for inspiration.
Accessorize – Decluttering is a must, but it’s important that the rooms still look lived in and inviting. Too much paring down can give your home a sterile appearance, and make it hard for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Consider adding elements that help create the vacation lifestyle, but without looking staged. For instance, a pre-packed picnic basket on the kitchen table might be over-the-top, but Adirondack chairs, rustic lamps, even a canoe or kayak in the yard, all add to the Adirondack style, while remaining functional.
Are you ready to put your Lake George Home on the market?
If you’re interested in learning more about Lake George Real Estate or selling your property on the lake, contact me to set up a meeting today or call me at (518) 361-0230!
Lonnie Lawrence is a licensed real estate broker and lifetime resident of Lake George. Her 40+ years of experience and vast knowledge of the region have made her an expert on Lake George Real Estate.
Recommended reading: Lake George Real Estate Market Forecast
