Roxanna Ahlbach Examines Leveraging Local Art in Real Estate Staging: A Berkeley Realtor’s Guide

In the bustling and culturally rich city of Berkeley, real estate isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about selling a lifestyle. This is a town where the local culture is vibrant and deeply woven into the community fabric. For Realtors like Roxanna Ahlbach, who understand the unique selling points of their locales, leveraging local art in real estate staging has become a powerful tool to not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property but also connect potential buyers with the essence of the community.

Why Incorporate Local Art in Home Staging?

Integrating local art into home staging goes beyond mere decoration. It’s about creating an immediate, striking connection between the property and the buyer. Art evokes emotion, sets a mood, and tells a story. By carefully selecting pieces from local artists, a Realtor can showcase a home as a living, breathing part of the local culture, making it more appealing to buyers who are looking to move into the area.

Local art in staging helps to:

• Highlight the unique charm of the area: Each piece of art carries a bit of the soul of the place where it was created.
• Stand out in competitive markets: Homes staged with eye-catching, unique art pieces can stand out in property listings and visits.
• Support and promote local artists: This practice not only benefits the real estate market but also supports the local arts community, fostering a mutual relationship that can lead to ongoing collaborations.

Selecting the Right Art

Choosing the right art to stage a home requires more than just picking beautiful pieces. It involves understanding the architecture of the home, the furniture, and selecting art that will resonate well within those boundaries. Here are a few tips for selecting the right pieces:

• Know your audience: Art that appeals to young professionals might be different from what attracts retirees.
• Complement the property’s aesthetics: The art should enhance the existing decor, not clash with it. For example, a modern loft might benefit from vibrant abstract paintings, while a classic Victorian might be better suited to fine, traditional portraits or landscapes.
• Consider versatile pieces: Art that can fit into various room settings can be more appealing and gives the impression of versatility in the property.

Collaborating with Local Artists and Galleries

Building relationships with local artists and galleries can be incredibly beneficial. These partnerships allow Realtors to have a pulse on the local art scene, which can be a significant advantage in staging homes attractively. Here’s how to start:

• Visit local art shows and galleries: Regular attendance at art-related events can help Realtors get to know the artists and their works, making it easier to select pieces that would be ideal for staging.
• Feature different artists: Rotating between different artists not only keeps the staging fresh but also broadens the network and appeal.
• Work on consignment: Many artists are open to consignment arrangements where payment is made only after the sale of the property. This can be a cost-effective strategy for Realtors.

The Impact of Art on Sales

The impact of incorporating art into real estate staging can be significant. Properties become more than just structures; they are presented as homes with character and soul. This emotional connection can be just the push a prospective buyer needs to make an offer. Additionally, staged homes typically sell faster and for higher prices than non-staged homes, and staging with local art adds an extra layer of appeal.

Conclusion

For Realtors like Roxanna Ahlbach, who are deeply embedded in their communities, leveraging local art in real estate staging is a strategy that offers dual benefits: it enhances property appeal and supports the local arts scene. This approach not only helps in selling properties faster and at better prices but also strengthens community ties, creating a supportive network that benefits all parties involved. As the real estate market continues to evolve, strategies like this that connect properties with local culture will become increasingly important, making homes feel more personalized and connected to their environments.