Kathy & Ben
Many times when putting a home on the market for sale, the seller needs to update or replace a few key items so the home has that special feel buyers are looking for. Therefore staging the home is important. In the attempt to maximize the staging effect, we usually ask the seller to provide a small staging budget ($100 – $400). 
In addition, we will inquire if the homeowner/seller might have on hand some of the items needed and visit our staging closet for items to lend and use.{[}]{[}]
{[}]{[}] {[}]{[}] {[}]{[}] {[}]{[}] {[}]{[}]Since we try to provide some of the items need for staging a home, we have learned some tricks to stretch the staging budget. First, we are always checking out clearance areas of all types of stores so that we have items on hand. If you are thinking about selling your home, start watching the clearance racks. Second, we shop discount stores. Here is a list of some of our favorites…{[}]
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- HomeGoods, Marshalls, & TJMaxx – bath and bedroom linens, candles, kitchen accessories, pillows
- Tuesday’s Morning – decorative items, bath and bedroom linens, small rugs, lamps, seasonal accessories, pillows
- Big Lots – garden items, greenery, curtain rods and drapery panels
- Michael’s – table center pieces, greenery, small floral arrangements – watch your receipts of coupons worth 40% of a single item
- SteinMart – bed and bath linens, candles, accessories
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{[}]What we are looking for on a budget…{[}]
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- Bed in a bag…upscale, luxury look, includes decorative pillows and bedskirt
- Bath towels that are sets – luxurious look
- Focal items – art, lamps, coffee table books, pillows, large floral pieces
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{[}]By spending some money and updating the look of your home, buyers will be excited about your home. In addition, the quality of your photos for marketing will be enhanced. Set aside $200 to $400 dollars and make your home look like the showcase it can be!