The concept of Home Staging is becoming more popular and valued in the real estate market. Barb Schwarz invented this technique in the United States while working as a real estate agent. Her goal was to prepare a house to be sold at the best price and as quickly as possible, and she did it. She explains how in an interview with idealista/news.
In reality, the majority of houses are disorganised and full of unnecessary objects, which is why today Home Staging is very much appreciated by Portuguese real estate companies both for selling and for short-term tourist rentals.
For Barb Schwarz, there should be a close working relationship between the real estate agency and the seller. According to the expert, some agents are not concerned about the client and prefer just to make quick visits to the property. That way, though, they don't hear or understand what the seller's needs are, nor are they interested in explaining the benefits of keeping the house tidy and organised.
In this regard, the specialist recommends paying attention to all the details. "What do you do when you go to sell your car? You detail it, so you make sure the front seat, the back seat, the trunk, the tyres, even the engine, look good, so that you can get the most money. So why would you detail your car but not your house?" asks Barb Schwarz.
If the seller wants to make as much money as possible from the house, it is best to keep it clean and organised. In this sense, it is advisable to neutralise the spaces. Decongesting the house is crucial in Home Staging projects.
The creator of the concept believes it’s fundamental for the potential buyer to write a list of features they would like to see in the home they are looking for. "Take that with you as you go to see properties and the property with the right characteristics will match your list and that may be the one that you decide to make your own," says Barb Schwarz.
According to the expert, 20 seconds is enough for a client to be interested in a house, so it is essential to create a good first impression.