By Norma Yuriar

Fresno, Calif.  (KMPH News) — We've all heard the phrase, "It's a buyers market" — that's great news if you're looking for a new home, but what if you're a seller?

Many are turning to a decades old tactic that's producing results in today's tough market.

Dressing up or "staging" a home can make all the difference when you are competing with hundreds and hundreds of foreclosed homes on the market, according to experts.

"Staging the home helps to show the house to it's fullest potential which ultimately can translate into sales," Executive Vice President of DeYoung Properties, Paula DeYoung said.  "Today it's more important than ever to continue staging the model homes."

DeYoung Properties, one the largest builders in the Fresno area, has been dressing their model homes with furniture, since the 1970's — a trend that's also gaining popularity among valley realtors, sellers and lenders.

"I have actually staged a vacant home that was owned by the bank and I was very surprised to get the call," Interior Redesigner Nanci Hawkins said.

Hawkins says she understands why some banks are looking for that competitive edge.

"When your house hits the market there is a flood of interest.  You never get a second chance to make a first impression," Hawkins said.

On average clients pay Hawkins $600 to $800 for a one day make over.  In return most homes her team at Fresno's Design Solutions staged, sold quicker and for more money.

"As a team we can do our best at giving your house the best opportunity to get that initial response," she said.  "Not three months after you put your house on the market."

Hawkins hopes her latest project in Northwest Fresno will have the same success.

"Staging is not just about putting furniture in an empty house or a vacant home.  It is about creating that feeling of home for your potential buyer," Hawkins said.

So, how does staging work? And how can a seller maximize their value on their own?  If you ask Hawkins, the first step starts at the curb.

"Probably the number one thing everyone should look at doing is repainting their front door because that peely front door is not going to give you the feeling of wanting to walk inside," Hawkins said.

The other industry using staging to lure potential renters inside are landlords.  Terry Meehan with Realty Concepts says adding a few items around the house, like towels, candles and plants will make the property more appealing.

"It takes an empty square space and it gives it some more personality," Meehan said.  "Whether you are renting the house or selling the house, I think that [staging] can make all the difference in the world in how a buyer or a tenant feels about property."

Paula DeYoung agrees.  She says there are simple things you can do that don't cost a lot of money.  Sellers can make a splash with inexpensive touches.

"Paint and some silk plants will go really far."  DeYoung said. "Setting the table allows an artful design to help people feel more relaxed in the home and envision the house as theirs."

An important step to making a buyers dream and your sale come true.

For more tips on staging your home or to see before and after pictures, visit www.designsolutionsforyourhome.com  To reach Design Solutions, call (559) 304–9606.

For more information about De Young Properties, call (559) 323–6004 or visit www.deyoungproperties.com

To contact Terry Meehan at Realty Concepts, call (559) 490–1547 or visit www.terrymeehan.com