Known by many names, real estate merchandising is the process of preparing a home for sale using a proven set of techniques to maximize a home's appeal to buyers.

You may have seen this service featured on A&E's Sell this House™ or HGTV's Designed to Sell™.

Realtors, builders, and property managers may click here for information on our specialized services.

In our initial real estate merchandising appointment, we typically complete a thorough assessment of the property, discuss specific ways to improve the home's appeal to buyers, and begin making needed changes. Clients are left with a written inventory of improvements and simple changes needed to sell the property.

We also provide further Redesign for Resale services in which we will physically merchandise the home, positioning furnishings using placement and accessorizing techniques designed to maximize the home's best features. We will work with you, room by room, inside and out, to get the home in the best possible showing condition, maximizing the property’s appeal to the broadest buyer segment possible.

● Real Estate Merchandising FAQs ●

Q: Why should I merchandise my home?

The way we live in a home and the way we sell it are quite different. Many people are now recognizing the benefits of real estate merchandising but few really understand how to a create an inviting home with wide appeal.

At What a Lovely Home, we take a thorough look at every home and use our observations to help you, the homeseller, to see your home more objectively and as potential buyers will. Our goal is to remove any barrier that might cause buyers to walk away or lower their offers. And our feedback is direct, constructive, solution-focused, budget-conscious, and always delivered with respect. We care about our clients and want to use our knowledge of design and home merchandising to help your home sell as quickly and for as much money as possible.

Today's homebuyers are more discerning than ever. Most want a home that is move- in ready, so we aim to place homes for sale in that condition. More than that, we appeal to buyers' emotions through our use of design and home merchandising principles because most buyers choose on emotion. They want a house that feels good to them. We are trained to create spaces that are universally warm and appealing. We also use techniques to allow potential buyers to imagine themselves in a home. A common problem for many sellers is that buyers cannot see the home's potential because specifics of the homeowner's decor and personal effects become distracting. The very things that can make a home your own can make others pass it by. We know how to minimize this tendency–and can do it on a budget!

Q: What is the process?

For most of our clients, the process begins with a full-service initial appointment in which we not only consult with you about the property but also begin a hands-on "Redesign for Resale" process. Most of our recommendations will be for low-cost or no-cost enhancements that can be quickly and easily accomplished. The choice to make recommended enhancements is ultimately the decision of the homeowner. Much of the time, we are able to use the homeseller's existing things alone. Other times, we may suggest bringing in merchandising "props" such as art or accessories that will draw attention to important features of the home or draw out its potential to become a warm, inviting place.

Lots of websites offer tips and hints, but the power of real estate merchandising is realized when a talented real estate stager literally pulls the home together - ordering, arranging, editing, and decorating a home according to specific techniques. This is why we offer hands-on services in addition to consultation.

Q: How much does it cost?

We offer an initial consultation package that includes the written property evaluation and approximately three hours of hands-on service for $225. Follow-up staging is priced at $75 per hour with a bid and proposal created for more involved jobs. The cost of properly preparing a home for sale should be weighed against the potential for return since small changes have been shown to make a big impact on a home's selling potential.

Q: When is the best time to begin preparing my home?

The best time to merchandise a property is before a potential buyer ever sets foot in the home! First impressions are key in real estate sales! We do merchandise properties that have been on the market, but the ideal situation is always a pre-marketing merchandising.

Q: Do you ever use items not currently in the home, and can you assist with vacant properties or model homes?

Yes. Clients may opt to rent or purchase some "props" designed to help merchandise the home better. Rental items available from What a Lovely Home include plants and florals, artwork, table linens and dishes, and furniture. We also work with other sources to complete larger vacant properties and model homes. For these services, we work to create a bid based on the cost of the rented or purchased items and billable time.

Q: Do you offer other services for new homeowners?

We offer other services such as move-in assistance and interior redesign (or one-day-decorating), both of which are great for new homeowners. We also offer gift certificates which make wonderful housewarming gifts.