When you take a prospective resident on a tour, you’re giving them their first glimpse into life within your community. Because of this, staging your touring residences is incredibly important, and just as the right staging can turn a prospect into a leasing resident, the wrong staging can send them running in the opposite direction. 5 staging mistakes that you may not realize you’re making, and which could cost you a resident, are:

 

1.  Get un-personal – You may think that having personal type items on view makes the space feel more like “home”, but this actually isn’t the case. When a space is too personal, it’s difficult for touring prospects to take the personal out and imagine the space as their own, which could lead them to go elsewhere. Not to mention, the average tour lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, and every minute they spend scanning the space and having their attention fall on personal items is a minute that isn’t focused on the space itself.

2. Choose the right colors – It’s important to go with neutrals in a touring residence, but neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Layering with different neutral tones can give you that pop you’re looking for, and they won’t be considered as abrasive as pops of bright tones like reds or yellows. You can also use color to create depth, warmth, and a comforting feeling, like using neutrals with yellow tones in spaces that don’t see much natural light.

3. Consider the scale of the room – Choosing large furnishings for a small space will make it look smaller, choosing small furnishings for a large space will look awkward and cold; what you want to do is find that perfect middle ground. Picking the wrong furnishing options in terms of scale will give touring residents an inaccurate view of what the space is like in each room they’re in.

4. Don’t forget closet spaces – While tucked away, closets are actually a huge selling point for many prospective residents. Staging a closet is often forgotten, but it can make a huge positive impact if done correctly. A neatly staged closet with some organizational furnishings and hangers can give prospective residents a good look into what they can do in terms of effective storage ideas within the space.

5. Keep the theatrics simple – It may be tempting to formally set a dining room table in a touring residence, but it’s actually best to keep things simple. Avoid becoming too theatrical with candelabras on the table, or bowls of fruit on the counter, and keep it simple and welcoming.

 

Your staging provides the first impression, and you’ll want it to be a positive one. To learn more about staging do’s and don’ts, contact us at OccupancySolutions.com today.