All Forum Posts by: Danielle R.
Danielle R. has started 3 posts and replied 13 times.
Post: To Stage or Not to Stage?

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
@Amit M. lol, thanks for the comment. "chopped pillow!" Too funny.
Post: To Stage or Not to Stage?

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Post: To Stage or Not to Stage?

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Post: To Stage or Not to Stage?

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Hi All,
New to BiggerPockets but I've found this community a great resource and so grateful to the many wonderful people offering their ideas and advice to someone new like me!
Here is my situation:
I'm in Bay Area (Berkeley) getting ready to sell a bad house (major foundation issues) in a good (A+) neighborhood during a hot market. I've decided to sell "as is" with full disclosures on all the structural issues. I am planning to do some minimal cosmetic work to goose it up for sale. This is my first time selling a house.
I'm still shopping for agents, I've talked to three so far. Two out of the three agents want me to spend between 4-5k on staging.
One agent says I don't need to stage and can use my own furniture. The other two are insistent that good staging is key to having people fall in love with the house (thus more willing to overlook the uglier aspects).
My initial thoughts are that staging is expensive and a big hassle (what if I can't sell it in the timeframe I'm looking at and then need to move all my furniture back in?). I also was hoping the buyer might want to buy some of my furniture along with the sale. If it doesn't sell, I want to be ready to go right back to renting it short term.
In your experience does hiring a professional stager work the wonders these agents are saying it does? Or, can I stage it myself by minimizing/moving my current furniture around, and/or buying a few new cheap pieces from IKEA?
I'd love some feedback. I think my current furniture is good but of course that is subjective. The agents point out my house is small and it would work better to have smaller more modern furniture that makes the house feel bigger, improves the flow, and appeals to younger buyers. They also say no one wants to see a TV in the living room...true??
Here is my airbnb profile to get a feel for how I have it set up now. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1772860
Any and all feedback welcome!
Thank you!
Danielle
Post: New and Seeking Advice...

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Post: New and Seeking Advice...

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Post: New and Seeking Advice...

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
One thing that gives me pause is bought in 2013 with $100,000 down and I have $300,000 left on my mortgage. I can easily rent for $3,000 or more in the area. This seems like a decent return based on what I paid. But at current fair market value (Assuming that's $750,00-$800,000 even with the issues) it's a terrible return.
I've already sunk so much money into fixing this house, it's one thing after another going wrong. Like a sieve with a thousand holes. Plus the amount of time and headache to manage.
Is there another way to look at this? Is there anyway it would make sense to use the potential cash flow from a steady renter at say $3,200, pay for the pricey foundation with a HELOC and not have to sell at a discount? The house is fully furnished and my ideal marketing is towards visiting professors/graduate students/people who are in area for limited time frames.
I'm just highly worried about the market being at a top and the need to get out while the getting is good.
Post: New and Seeking Advice...

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Post: Looking for contractors in Berkeley, ca

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3
Post: Cleaner for short-term rental in Berkeley

- Berkeley, CA
- Posts 13
- Votes 3