Staging Tips from Vern Yip

Yes design can absolutely sell a house. People don't buy houses to be empty spaces, they buy them to be happy places!

We recently had a chance to attend an Inman News real estate conference that featured Vern Yip, a popular TV designer and personality who has been featured on Trading Spaces, Deserving Design, and HGTV's Design Star. Here are some of his tips that we often suggest to home sellers.Best ideas for staging homes1. We need to present an optimal space. This can be done by keeping rooms opens and showcasing their unusual spaces. A lot of buyers get distracted when something looks awkward or they can't figure out how to maximize a space. Don't let that lose their attention-catch it by showing them the potential.2. We advise sellers to stick to a monochromatic scheme because it makes the rooms look bigger.You always hear that the buzz is neutral colors.  Why? Neutrals have broadest appeal because they are flexible for most people... You don't want buyers distracted by contrast or personal taste.Our listing at 600 Gary Place, Newport Beach3. Add life to a space by introducing organic elements. For example: Flowers, fruit, plants, event candy. These items not only add life, they make the property look well cared for too!4. We do this one all the time: Edit to showcase space. Moving furniture and belongings around is free (with the exception of hauling away excess or buying storage boxes) and the results way outweigh the cost. Editing makes houses look neater, cleaner, more expensive. Make sure to pay attention to scale!!! For instance don't fill a small room with jumbo furniture, as that will only make it look small. Space is very valuable.5. Just like you would dress a person, dress a space to play up its assets. Make sure to place visual emphasis on the highlights of a room- for example the view, the fireplace, the floors, the arches6. Finally, don't neglect auxiliary spaces. You want to present a finished look. It's not just about the main living space and master bedroom... Make sure to make the foyer welcoming, the bathrooms relaxing, the office serene, etc.