Dear Neil:
I am in a precarious situation. I recently purchased a new home, but my old home hasn't yet sold. I've moved, so my old home is completely bare. There have been very few showings, and I am afraid that I will have to carry both houses for quite some time. I can afford to do this, but barely. Help!
Sincerely:
Barbara G.
Hi, Barbara:
You're not alone! I have had several clients who are in this position. Many home stagers (myself included) have an inventory of furniture and accessories that they rent to clients with vacant homes. Furnished homes sell faster than vacant ones because home buyers can more accurately judge the size of rooms that are furnished. Unfurnished homes are often sterile and unappealing, even if they are beautiful homes, while a well-staged home is inviting and warm.
Although hiring a professional home stager and renting furniture is an expense, it sure beats paying two mortgages, two tax bills, two homeowners insurance policies and heating two houses - not to mention lawn care and snow removal! And home staging and furniture rental is not a break-the-bank expense. Just call a local stager and ask. You will be surprised at how reasonable home staging can be and how quickly your home will sell!
