By Anne Kenney
Click on your question for your answer.
What is “home staging”?
Why is staging my home so important?
What are the benefits of staging my home?
What is the difference between “staging” and “decorating”?
If the real estate market is “hot,” do I still need to stage my property?
If the real estate market is “soft,” should I hold off on staging it?
What are the advantages of staging my vacant property?
What is the home staging process?
How much does staging cost?
Will staging my property guarantee me higher offers?
At what point in the selling process should I stage my property?
What can I do to prepare for staging my home?
What is “home staging”?
Home staging is the process of preparing your property for sale or rental such that it sells or rents for the maximum price possible in the shortest period of time. Research shows that, when priced appropriately, staged homes net 5-17 % conservatively more than comparable non-staged properties.
Why is staging my home so important?
Believe it or not, many buyers do not have the vision for what “can be” in a property. They only see what “is.” They are unable to see a property beyond a difference in decorating taste, distracting colors or a lot of clutter. A strong pet or smoke odor might dissuade them from going beyond the vestibule.
Research shows that buyers’ first impressions are formed within the first 60 seconds. If your property doesn’t grab their immediate attention, they’re likely to say “Let’s see the next one,” and keep looking.
Staging allows your potential buyers to see the positive qualities of your property itself, not your possessions or a difference in decorating taste.
What are the benefits of staging my home?
There are so very many benefits.
- The most obvious benefit is higher sale price and less time on the market. Your staged property will sell faster and at a higher sales price than a comparable non-staged property because it will appeal to a broader range
of potential buyers. The techniques of staging are designed to “neutralize”
(though not anesthetize!) an environment. That is, make it appealing to a broader range of buyers. - Staged homes look far more appealing on the internet and in printed brochures, giving your property a competitive edge over non-staged properties, and drawing more potential buyers to it.
- Staged homes are viewed as well-maintained properties. Potential buyers will be less wary of underlying problems if they feel you have taken pains to keep your property in tip-top shape.
- Appraisers are more likely to appraise your staged home at full value.
- Agents working with you will recognize your property as a staged property and are more likely to show your home.
What is the difference between “staging” and “decorating”?
Staging is all about marketing your property for sale, using proven techniques which market its best features and downplay its least desirable features. When we stage, we use as many of your furnishings and accessories as possible. At the same time, we are seeking to “de-personalize” your home so that potential buyers may envision themselves in the property .
Conversely, decorating most often requires starting with a clean slate and bringing in all new items, colors and design schemes that are personal to the home owner’s taste. You can see how this is much the opposite of staging.
If the real estate market is “hot,” do I still need to stage my property?
Yes, absolutely. If the market is “hot,” why wouldn’t you “exploit the heat” by staging it and getting beyond top dollar?!
If the real estate market is “soft,” should I hold off on staging it?
It is absolutely critical to stage your property when the market is “soft” in order to have it be more competitive with other properties! And to have it sell faster and for more than they do!
What are the advantages of staging my vacant property?
Vacant properties leave everything to the buyer’s imagination. And once again, most buyers can’t see beyond what is right in front of them. They need the form
and function of each room defined for them.
Many properties have odd nooks and crannies. A buyer will wonder, what can I
do with that space? We will create function from the space- whether it’s a library corner, a small study or a lovely seating area. It will be defined through staging.
Another reason to stage a vacant property is that vacant rooms appear smaller
than furnished rooms. Once staged, your property will actually look bigger .
What is the home staging process?
Usually, the process begins with a comprehensive staging consultation. We will
walk through your property- room-by-room, and assess what needs to be done to get your property in peak form for showing it. At the end of the assessment,
you will be given a staging plan.
At this point, you may decide to implement the plan on your own, or to hire us to execute either some or all elements. We can do as little or as much as you like.
A lot less than your first price reduction. Staging is an investment, not an expense! An investment in a staging consultation will most likely run between $400 to $650, depending on the size and complexity of your property.
The investment in fully staging your property varies greatly and usually includes a daily staging fee, expenses, and furniture and accessories’ rental (if necessary). Other hourly fees may apply if the project requires shopping for items or overseeing
trades people.
Once we assess your specific staging needs, we will give you a specific price for staging your property. This is one investment that assures you a substantial return.
Will staging my property guarantee me higher offers?
No, not always. All the staging in the world will not move a property that is priced incorrectly. Two things sell a property. Staging and pricing. Your realtor will advise you on the correct pricing for your property. We will stage it to sell.
At what point in the selling process should I stage my property?
The best time to stage your home is in advance of selecting a realtor. Once staged, your realtor will be impressed with your home’s showing condition and will most likely recommend pricing your property at a “staged list price,” that is, the highest price in the range in which your property falls.
In any event, it is always advisable to stage your property prior to showing it to potential buyers.
What can I do to prepare for staging my home?
The most important thing you can do to prepare for staging your home is to emotionally commit to the process. While every seller responds differently to the staging process, it can be a somewhat stressful experience. As with any major change, you may experience a reaction that surprises you. Some sellers take on
the work of de-cluttering and rejoice at every step. Others are more attached to
their possessions and find it difficult to pack them up and move them out of the way.
It’s important to recognize that staging your home is the first step in your moving process. There may be times when you are up to your eyeballs, sorting through all the “stuff” you’ve collected over the years, and you have to decide…do I toss it, store it or keep it? This takes time and energy.
So…if at all possible, give yourself enough lead time for the work involved in
staging your home. The more you can de-clutter your property in advance of
bringing us in, the easier you will find the staging experience.
“Staging your home is financially and emotionally rewarding, but
it can be a stressful experience. My team and I give you support through
the staging process. When it’s tough going, we help you keep your eye on
the prize.”
Anne Kenney
