The Trump Blog

Whether your real estate investment is for sale or for lease, one sure way to get the highest return is to “stage” it properly. Doing this will paint the picture and imagery you want for your target audience and make them want the feel you have created.

Identifying your target audience is key. What demographic are you trying to reach? Are they “yuppie urbanites” looking at a condo or condo project in the city? If so, you will probably want to go with a modern and trendy look to stage the property. Use some contemporary furnishings and focus on the art and accent groupings. Be creative and also use style magazines as a reference to give you some ideas. If you are unable or unwilling to take on this task, consult your local area phone directory and look up “real estate staging”. If nothing, then check with an upper-end real estate agent in the area to see if they can give you a name or two.

Another important part of staging is “de-cluttering”. I am not really sure this is a word but it’s a word I use quite often. If the property you are marketing is occupied, then it is paramount that it is free from the clutter of daily living. You want to present this property in its ideal light. If closets are jam-packed, they will appear small and cramped. Most people already live that way and want to get away from it. Take it from someone who looks at properties for a living...prospective buyers get distracted by looking at your photos on the walls and refrigerators. They are so busy doing this that the voyeurism takes them away from taking “ownership” in the subject property and actually makes them feel like they are truly just a visitor peeking in on someone else’s life. Make a great first impression and then carry it on thru the entire property. They won’t have a reason NOT to buy!