When you purchased your home, was it staged? (house, buyer)

[elan]

If so, did that help you decide to purchase the house? Would you have bought it regardless?

[pdouglas]

Yes. The house was staged and it helped me to make my decision.

[5stones]

NO. Price/location was what sold us. The house was actually pretty messy.

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by elan

If so, did that help you decide to purchase the house? Would you have bought it regardless?

Nope. It was neat and clean and absolutely NOT my style at all in that it was decorated very traditional. There were border wall papers all over the place that made the rooms seem dark and small, things like that. I can see past that kind of thing, some people can't. We did stage our old house when we were selling, I don't know if it made a difference at all. They say it does, I guess it depends on the kind of buyer.

[yjc281]

First impression is quite important. Mine was staged but I liked the design and layout anyways.
If the house was in a mess I would have some doubt on whether the owner took good care of the house. I'd say staging helps but at least try not to show a messy home.

[loves2read]

sellers were getting a divorce--only one of them was living there--house was clean and had their furniture in it--
BUT because the house did have their furniture and window coverings in it--we did not realize what the paint color was in some of the rooms--until they had moved out...
we wound up having all interior walls repainted a more neutral shade beigy shade--they had a yellow tinted paint--

[tx_girl]

My house wasn't staged, but like others had said, I was able to see past it. The house that I bought had been on the market for a LONG time. The beds not being made, etc could have been part of the issue along with it being over priced too.

[BigDGeek]

My house was vacant when I bought it; the previous owner had died in assisted living while trying to sell the house.

[elan]

Thanks for the answers. I just wanted to see how important it was to a buyer (not what a realtor would say, lol). My plan was to have an estate sale, then do repairs, repaint and new flooring. Now, people are telling me to keep the furniture because no one will buy a house that's not "staged". It sure would be easier for the workmen not to be constantly moving and working around furniture.

[5stones]

personally I like an empty house.
Lets me see the "bones" and know that things are being covered up etc..!
I have some really big pieces of furniture and when it's empty I measure better etc...

Some people get so caught up on "colors" and even the furniture that is in a home... paint is easy and The furniture LEAVES with the buyer!

We are always "serious buyer" we move do to work re-lo and usually have only a week or so to find a house on a house hunting trip. I try to see as many homes as possible. decor etc..I hardly notice, unless you have really nice antiques...then I will amke an offer on them!

I can see how "staging" will help for the looky loo's and get more positive feedback etc.... but not for me. I want to see if my stuff will fit and if it flows good for my lifestyle.