Set The Stage For Higher Home Value, Shorter Market Time

Online, November 9, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Staged homes have a proven advantage over non-staged homes. On average the return on investment is more than 300 percent for routine home improvements when staging a home, such as landscaping, repairing plumbing and replacing carpets. Experts say a staged house spends 83 percent less time on the market.

The moving experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® help answer questions about how to stage a house to help it sell more quickly:

Q: What is staging?
A: Staging prepares a house to attract as many homebuyers as possible. It may involve replacing flooring, updating wall coverings or simply packing up some of the clutter. The goal is to make it easier for a buyer to imagine themselves living in the house.

Q: Do you have any do-it-yourself tips?
A: Yes, there are many ways to improve a home. Cleaning is the most important, but most often forgotten step. Stand in the doorway and view the room as a new homebuyer. Focus on highlighting the best and most essential features. De-clutter and remove personal artifacts. Read a home decorating magazine to learn about current trends, but remember to keep it simple. The style should attract a broad group of people. Paint with neutral colors, use minimal window dressings and make sure rooms are well lit.

Q: I don't think I have time to do this, is there anyone I could hire?
A: Professionals are available to stage a home for you - visit www.stagedhomes.com for more information. Moving companies can also help rearrange furniture, move extra items to storage, pack unnecessary items and may even sell boxes and packing supplies.

Q: Why should I put this much effort into my house when I am moving?
A: Staging a home makes a significant difference in shortening the time it spends on the market and increasing profits. A staged home typically spends 11 fewer days on the market. Packing unnecessary items and cleaning the house in advance also simplifies the moving process.

Q: How can I stage my home without spending a lot?
A: There are many ways to stage a home on a small budget. Some low-cost ideas include floating sofas and coffee tables away from the walls, grouping decorative items together for emphasis instead of spreading them throughout the house, clearing shelves and countertops and bringing in fresh flowers.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the largest franchised moving company in North America. It includes more than 200 locations and more than 1,200 trucks on the road. Each location is independently owned and operated, and sells boxes and packing supplies. Locations complete both home and business moves, as well as packing and unpacking services.

For more information, call the (Sacramento) TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at (916) 852.7411 or visit www.twomenandatrucksacramento.com.