Home Sweet Home - Time for a Make-up Consultation?

I hope you had a great Christmas and meaningful time with family. In January we did experience the parting of Sue's Dad - of course that's easier to bear when we have an eternal perspective. Thanks to so many of you who walked through this with us.

It's nice not to think about the prospect of buying or selling your home. After all, it is our "nest", right? But that's precisely the *best time* to review the "state of your home", reap the benefits now, and get the most for your home at the point you do consider selling it. In my previous blog, we just discussed how you can efficiently engage a Home Inspector to upgrade the quality of your nest and eliminate surprises, both now and in the future.

Let's talk about the value of a Home Stager - when you are neither Selling nor Buying. Would you build a house without a blueprint? No. Can you imagine a Hollywood actor or newscaster appearing in public without a make-up artist or a little plastic surgical help? Of course not.

Once you own a home, it's highly tempting to try to make-up your home yourself...to buy furnishings, even rooms full of furniture or artwork, along the way as they catch your eye. Well, nobody enjoys finding new accessories any better than my wife and I do. How tough can that be?

Have a plan. The first value that a professional Home Stager can bring is a clear concept - a blueprint of the best ways you can use every inch of your floor plan, as well as the value of the landscape leading to your home's doors. It's not about adding furniture you don't own, at a price you didn't anticipate. A great stager can be part of your home's financial plan.

See the potential in what you already own. Whether you already have a little or a lot, expect a great stager to notice the pieces that can bring focus to every room. Ever heard the words "Feng Shui"? Just as there are items in your wardrobe that look best on you for different occasions, the rooms in your home have different functions - family gatherings, a quiet retreat, a place to get your business done efficiently, an entertainment center, room for your hobbies, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a trusted friend bring perspective, advice and encouragement.

Furniture and furnishings are not a Wall Street investment that appreciates. Instead, they are daily amenities that *you* appreciate. They make four walls feel like a home. Even your favorite chair or desk can bring more enjoyment by moving them to a (slightly) different spot in your castle!

You've probably heard both of these words: de-clutter and de-personalize. These are used by home stagers when you determine to sell your home. Both words are intimidating. My house is my home, right? Lived in. Reflects my personality. You're not here to visit my house, right?

Remember: Staging is not about getting rid of the items you love. It's understanding how to showcase your favorite pieces to your best benefit. It's also about finding an effective place for the items you need, but don't want in your living space daily. That's the value of a having and following a plan.

So what's the big idea? Why wait to spend urgent money with a Home Stager just to ready your home for a Buyer? Instead, consider making a well-considered investment in Enjoying Your Home now - whether you've just purchased it or have lived in it for several years and through changes in your family's needs. Then at the same time, you will be prepared to get the best price for your home when you do decide to enjoy a future home.

More coming... count on my next blog to discuss the value of engaging with a Real Estate professional throughout the life of your home - and not just when you're looking to sell it.

(A reminder. This blog is original content from between my ears. I'd appreciate your comments on these ideas. If these inspire other topics of interest, let me know that too!)