If you have a show residence that prospective community members can visit while on a tour, you want to make sure that residence is staged in just a way that maximizes its potential. This residence will provide the first impression to touring prospects, and give them a way to envision the residence of their own. Because you will want the best first impression, there are 5 big staging mistakes that community management should always avoid:

1.    Consider size

When it comes to the size of the residence, you want to maximize, not minimize. Large open spaces are considered to be considerably more attractive to prospective residents, and filling smaller spaces up with large furniture or décor choices can make the space look even smaller than it actually is. When possible, stage the furniture to match the size of the space, and leave areas as open as possible.

2.    Don’t be too dramatic

Décor touches are a great way to give off a stylish and homey feel, but don’t be too dramatic with your choices. Keeping things neutral when it comes to décor gives you a way to appeal to the masses, while still giving the residence that true home feeling.

3.    Keep colors neutral

Like with décor, you don’t want to opt for overly dramatic colors. Your particular dramatic color choices may not suit every prospect, so keeping things neutral is an always safe and effective bet. With a neutral color palette, prospects will be better able to envision the space as their own.

4.    Consider temperature and season

In the winter, prospects are likely to be wearing jackets or coats, so they won’t want to spend a whole lot of time touring a residence that has the heat cranked up beyond 70 degrees. Alternatively, prospects touring in the summer will likely be in warm weather attire, and they won’t want to spend too much time where it’s too chilly. Keeping the temperature considerate of the season and what touring prospects are like to be wearing is key to keeping them comfortable and interested.

5.    Emphasize lighting

A well-lit space is a space that is welcoming, friendly, and visible. Consider the lighting you have available in touring residences, and provide a space with lots of either natural or artificial light.

Turning tours into new leases is the ultimate goal of your time investment. To learn more about staging your residences to achieve better closing ratios, contact us at OccupancySolutions.com today.