House Hunting - Home Staging

Over the weekend we went with our younger brother to check out a few open houses as he is looking for his first place!  

One house we went to was a beautiful 1920's construction, with most of the original wood floors and trim work in great condition. However, the same family had owned the property for 40 years and it showed...  

Plus the house was freezing!!  The poor realtor had her coat and scarf on the whole time and the hardwood floors made for a chilly tour.  

My suggestion to her?  For one - let the place warm up, at least for the open house showing.  Everyone in the midwest wants their house to be warm and inviting, but that image is hard to conjure when teeth are chattering.  

For two - keep some of the old world charm (like light fixtures and flooring) but update with more modern furniture.  An eclectic mix (done right) is what people are looking for in homes like this.  They want the conveniences and comfort of today, with the charm of yesteryear.