 
 
Confessions of a Staging Realist
The goal of staging is to sell a house quickly and for top dollar, and it’s been proven that the effort yields positive results (i.e., good ROI). Yet, many homeowners are overwhelmed by this undertaking, or are simply not “believers.” We all know that not every home is a million dollar property, nor can every homeowner spend thousands of dollars to stage their home. At A2Z Home Staging, we understand that staging projects vary from one homeowner to another. A2Z approaches each client meeting with careful consideration of budget, timeframe, and what, if any, assistance a homeowner intends to provide during the staging process. With these considerations in mind, we evaluate which furnishings already exist in the space that can be used, relocated, or rearranged to maximize the interior’s potential. From there, we create an affordable budget for suggested improvements or enhancements—from the curb to the backyard and the ceiling to the foundation-that will result in an inviting home. Need to create an inviting front entry? We have plenty of ideas. Want paint color suggestions? We have a Sherwin Williams fan deck. How to arrange seating or wall decor? We have all the diagrams.
No matter the extent of the staging project, A2Z will enhance your home and showcase its features in the best possible way to help it sell quickly and for top dollar.
Whether to Declutter or Zhoosh, Staging Works!
It goes without saying that over the years, most people fill their home with lots of stuff. Sometimes the stuff is meaningful, and other times, not so much. Add children and all of their stuff to the mix and, well, you get the picture. Stuff multiplies, like bunnies, and once the decision is made to move elsewhere, it can quickly become clear that you have too much and need to declutter! On the flip side, for those who are minimalists in their decorating style, the conundrum may be that there isn’t enough stuff! In either case, you need to Zhoosh it up! The solution? Start early and hire a stager!
When a home is organized (decluttered) and/or enhanced with accessories (zhooshed), it conveys a sense of pride on the part of the homeowner and, as a result, projects the impression that the home has been well cared for. Simply put, buyers gravitate toward a staged home. Studies show that a staged home results in shorter days on market, costs less than a price reduction, and sells closer to, if not more than, the asking price! A2Z will evaluate the overall look of the property and assist the homeowner in decluttering, zhooshing, and creating a look that makes lots of buyers want to move themselves, and their stuff, right in!
More Bang for Your Buck
Carol Watson, founder of A2Z Home Staging, is a seasoned Realtor who has worked with hundreds of buyers over the years. Having studied buyers’ reactions and noted first-hand comments made during showings, Carol can attest that the tastefully staged homes were the ones that her buyers made offers on, often at full and sometimes above, asking price! With her extensive knowledge and experience, Carol has the tools necessary to set your home apart and give it an advantage over other comparable, but unstaged, properties for sale. With the added value of professional photography of your beautifully staged home, all that will be left to do is sit back and wait for the offers to come rolling in!
About Carol Watson
Carol is a realtor with RE/MAX Prestige Realty in Palm Beach County, and is also the owner of A2Z Home Staging, LLC. She is one of the rare native Floridians with roots dating back four generations. Originally from Miami, Carol moved to West Palm Beach in 1992, where she and her husband raised their three children. She has been interested in interior design and home decorating for many years. Those who know Carol will attest that she has always had a natural talent in this area.
Since becoming a realtor in 2005, Carol developed a strong commitment to creating seamless and smooth transactions for both buyers and sellers. Over the years, however, she discovered that there was a significant need to help homeowners ready their homes for personal showings and for exposure on the myriad of online real estate websites. She realized that many homeowners were overwhelmed by the prospect of decluttering their home or making modifications necessary to attract as many buyers as possible. To communicate the critical importance of staging a home, Carol regularly poses the following analogy to her clients: “Wouldn’t you agree that like other situations in life—whether getting ready for a first date or a job interview—you only get ONE opportunity to make a great first impression?” As most people can relate to these types of very personal experiences, they can then translate this “desire to impress” to staging their own home!
Carol continues to routinely incorporate this philosophy into her real estate listings and finds that offers are typically made much more quickly, sometimes even within a matter of days, with each successful staging. Recently, she decided to take her design skills to the next level, officially becoming an accredited staging professional and adding A2Z Home Staging, LLC to her repertoire. Having this combined skillset brings an added value to many sellers that sets Carol apart from her competitors. But Carol’s expertise is not limited to staging listings for sellers. She has also sold homes to buyers who have then enlisted her help to redesign and decorate their new space! In those instances, Carol works closely with her clients to discover just what type of design will make them love their home for years to come.
While staging a home for sale is geared more toward depersonalization and appealing to the masses, staging a home where someone will live affords Carol the opportunity to utilize unique designs befitting of the new owner’s personality. So, whether it’s staging to sell, redesigning a new space for a buyer, or vacant staging for investors and home builders, Carol will envision it, execute it, and create a beautiful space for you, from A2Z!
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