Their story is similar to other clients I have worked with over the years. The kids are out of the house and it is time to move and downsize. While busy raising kids and working, the house becomes a lived-in, loved-in home filled with cherished memories. When it’s time to sell, it’s time to turn it into a marketable house.

Walking through the house, I gave room by room instructions. Instead of he said/she said it became, do this, not that. The biggest intervention was NOT to remodel the kitchen after showing me plans by an architect. Instead of investing in a remodel, I suggested painting the cabinets and removing some pieces. Even the tile countertop could stay. I promised it would look amazing by following my instructions.

From the Sellers:

Scott & Regina Eisenbacher formerly of Goshen, NY: Claudia brought us a new and fresh perspective of looking at the house that we lived in for 26 years. She helped us to focus and resolve our differences on what was important to be completed. Claudia’s experience of knowing the market and buyers desires from suggested colors, fixtures to arrangement of furniture helped increase the value of the house. We had multiple offers, including an offer on the first day on the market. The house sold in less than a week.

Our kitchen needed to be updated and we were planning to remodel the kitchen. Claudia suggested we remove a cabinet above the stove top to make the kitchen feel more open. We hired Claude Babcock to paint our cabinets to brighten the room and updated the light fixtures. These suggestions not only saved us on a kitchen remodel but resulted in a quick sale.

From the Realtor:

Diane Blanton: After the Pre-Listing Staging consultation, I met with the Eisenbachers just before the pandemic shutdown in New York. We went over the recommendations and timelines. Once we were shutdown, not knowing what the market would look like when we reopened, the Eisenbachers used this time wisely and followed the staging suggestions. We hit the market and in no time had multiple offers over asking price. They didn’t break the bank with major renovations but focused on enhancing and freshening up what they had. Even in the hottest seller’s market, staging helps to enhance the home’s features which helps the seller attain top dollar.

Diane M. Blanton

Howard Hanna Rand Realty

845-325-2090 c

Diane.blanton@randrealty.com

My Pre-Listing Staging Instructions for:

One size does not fit all since every house and situation is different. I love walking through a house to make the pieces of the existing puzzle fit better. It’s what I call staging magic.

Pre-Listing Consultation Instructions for The Eisenbachers:

Edit, Declutter, Clean.

Rearrange furniture in a few rooms.

Paint interior including color specification.

Replace Master bath vanity.

Update a few light fixtures.

Do not remodel kitchen! Instead remove upper cabinets between stove and dining area, replace oven, remove decorative molding by window, paint cabinets.

Besides saving money on not remodeling, Scott did most of the work himself throughout the entire house making great use of our lockdown here in NY. The kitchen cabinets were painted by a professional painter. My best advice is not to wait to prep your house for sale. If you take the time to work on projects to refresh and update you will not only have a better product to sell when you’re ready to list but more importantly, get to enjoy your home’s updates while still living in it. A Pre-Listing Staging Consultation will give specific instructions for your house, whether you are ready to sell in the near or distant future. There really is no place like home.