There are seemingly countless types of people in the world. Every day, industries and markets narrow them down to understand the potential for needs and success. Real estate is certainly one of those industries where demographics come into play.
Bellevue, WA home staging with Spade and Archer
We'd be a fool as a home stager to not refer to the target demographic of a listing. We ask our clients and agents for their thoughts or perspectives on those, and we also do further homework through data and even taking an extra minute or two cruising through the neighborhood… because the internet and numbers can't always convey the charm or quirks that make an area unique. Why do we go to all that trouble? So we can better understand who wants to live in a specific property and why. And what do those factors matter? Because it's our job to set the stage for that target audience and beyond.
The role of a home stager can be extremely significant in a property listing. Good home stagers and savvy agents know what we're talking about. The sentiment is true all the way down to the tiniest of details. Of course, you want furniture, lighting, artwork...the basics, but basics are simply not enough. Good design layers the basics with decorative touches, thoughtful concepts, and a hint of nuance. How are those advancements decided? You have to consider the demographic.
Santa Clarita, CA home staging by Spade and Archer
So how would we adapt to broaden that demographic? Well, using that layering just mentioned, we can strategically deliver on everyone's needs and make a thoughtful first-impression. Accessories and artwork are mixed in styles, which generates broader interest and maybe even a conversation. It all sounds simple, but it's actually a skilled trick. For example, in a two bedroom condo, we can stage the secondary bedroom with a queen mattress set to show the potential function while adding bright, colorful throw pillows and playful art which indicates that the unit caters to a family of any age. Once they look closer, they might see the hallway console with a tray of vintage domino pieces which spark joy not only for the kids that want something to play with while Mom and Dad talk numbers, but also perhaps to the retired senior looking for a home that his grandkids can come over and visit someday. It's these thoughtful, intentional choices that help to create a selfish experience for a buyer. It lets them imagine themselves within the home earlier and for longer within the buying process.
Something also very important to recognize are the things that can turn people off or even trigger an unfortunately negative response. Take alcohol for example. It is such a common prop within staging to see branded bottles and cocktail accessories lining the built-in counter in the media room or as a part of the outdoor patio lounge setup. Sounds great for a concept! But what about the experience for the recovering alcoholic? This among many other sensitive notions are important to be aware of as they also contribute to narrowing the demographic and can completely ruin a potential buyer's experience. We have found creative ways to substitute such instances with alternatives and whimsy. It doesn't have to be so literal to get the point across, so why create so much risk when you don't have to?
Seattle, WA home staging by Spade and Archer
Our warehouses at Spade and Archer are filled with inventory of varied of styles and ages. There's a lot of intention behind every piece going into our stagings. We know that Los Angeles is going to require more specific furnishing styles compared to Seattle or Portland. We are doing our job to understand the core demographics and climate of each area. We go far beyond that, though, in understanding the differences between people and their cultures, families, and stories. We cater to emotions in our work, and we strive to create positive experiences for everyone in every project. With all the demographics in today's modern world, it's more important than ever to be inclusive. Spade and Archer recognizes that.
Seattle, WA home staging by Spade and Archer