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We have bought about 5 houses over the years and everyone was vacant. We looked at others, but I found it impossible to imagine how our things and taste would work in something covered with things that often stuck me as undesirable. Also concerned about what the walls and floors, etc. would look like after everything was removed.
Speaking of cigarette smell (and cat urine) I don't know how people even sell such houses.
When I was looking for my current house a few years ago, I'd do an immediate 180 at the front door if I smelled cigarettes. I didn't encounter cat urine but would do same.
I have heard that in some cases it requires extreme measures to rid a house of tobacco odor. Total repaint of entire interior, replace all carpeting and all window treatments, clean A/C ducts...
Interesting that most threads here seem to indicate the agents strongly suggest or even make staging imperative and this poll of potential buyers has fewer than 20% desiring it.
Staging is totally the seller's choice. There is no such thing as "agent making imperative." It is the tenant's choice, and if agent charges for such services they must be agreed in the ER (exclusive representation contract with agent) or whatever form your state uses.
As a client whether selling or buying you are the person who decides all issues not stated in the contract with your agent.
My agent suggested "light staging" and I trust her, WTH, not costing me anything. Why not? What could it hurt.
If she wanted full staging (complete furnishing of house) I'd tell her no way. I think my Realtor agrees with the topic poll that most buyers either prefer vacant or don't care.
When you collate the poll results you will see that only 10% of consumers and agents prefer staged houses. I rest my case.
[quote=erjunkee;47666606]I find this interesting as I'm in the process of considering selling my home and this issue has been going on in my mind.
Ive reached out to a few realtors and ALL state that it's best to stage the home.
But this thread clearly indicates that that isn't favorable.
I'm torn, honestly.[/QUOTE
I believe what a person says they want can often not match up with what they choose. In theory I prefer a vacant home, but in reality I might react more positively to a house that was staged. Especially if the furniture and decor made the home look updated and new. Also, many younger buyers are greatly influenced by what they see on HGTV and have a hard time imagining their own furnishings or decor.
Interesting that most threads here seem to indicate the agents strongly suggest or even make staging imperative and this poll of potential buyers has fewer than 20% desiring it.
This thread is not representative of the general buying population.
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Random sample is important
