Should You Reclaim the "Lost" Bedroom?

Do you have an extra bedroom that you've converted into a home office, arts and crafts room or other non-slumbering use? If so, you may be wondering if you should convert it back into a traditional bedroom before you list.

According to home staging experts, that may be a good idea.

Although buyers will know the space was designed as a bedroom, there will be a psychological response to seeing it used otherwise. For example, say potential buyers view a property with a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and a third bedroom converted into a child's playroom. Logically, they'll know it's a three-bedrooms home - but the impression that will form will be of "two bedrooms and a playroom", not a "three bedroom home." This is especially true if closet doors have been removed. They may even start wondering whethere there is anywhere else for a child to play.

So, when you're selling, consider changing the bedroom back to its orginal purpose. You don't necessarily need to put in a bed and dresser (although for staging purposes, that would help.) Just make the bedroom look like a bedroom for showings.

Keep this in mind: It's easier for buyers to imagine a bedroom as a potential home office, playroom, etc. than the other way around.