Milwaukee Condo & Real Estate Scene

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Print Edition, Sunday, October 1, 2006): Fact or fiction of selling points: Homeowners need to sort through the myths

Selling Your Home - Tip #2: Staging

Sellers, when you put your home on the market, it is very important to stage it well for showings. You only have one shot to impress buyers. If you are thinking of selling your home, this article is a must read. Kristi Gustafson of the Albany Times Union identifies several myths about marketing your home.


Myth: Red walls are a no-no
Rule: Be consistent. Bold colors are okay if the entire home is painted consistently. However, if the entire home is neutral except one room which is painted boldly, this room will most likely shock most buyers which will adversely affect the sale of your home.

Myth: Walls should be white and carpet should be “real estate beige” to appeal to a mass market
Rule: Follow the character and design of your home. The following saying comes to mind: "You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time; but, you will not please all of the people all of the time." By following this rule, the appearance of your home will benefit both you and the buyer.

Myth: Kitchens should be updated to resell home
Rule: Upgrades should always maintain the home’s character and architectural style. Although buyers assign value to granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, these upgrades may be perceived out of place if they were found in a 1920's prairie-style home.

Myth: Modernizing a home helps resale
Rule: Maintain the home's character and architectural style. Modernizing a 1950’s ranch will not enhance the property’s value.

Myth: Wallpaper has got to go
Rule: Maintain the home's character and architectural style. Similar to the topic of updating kitchens, wallpaper is fine if it keeps with the theme and character of the home. Wallpaper should be well-maintained (good, newer condition).

Myth: An addition to the home helps you sell it
Rule: Proper planning will go a long way. In many cases, additions are poorly planned and/or located, thus hurting the resale value. Most buyers assign value to a home with a decent-sized yard. Additions which take away yard-size could adversely affect the value of the home. Also, additions that are only accessible by going through a room (such as a bedroom) are not wise additions for resale purposes.


Are you thinking of selling your home and have concerns about staging and preparing your home for the marketplace? Please call me at (414) 412-7980 for staging suggestions.

posted by David Ray @ 5:06 PM