Staged for Success

You might be surprised to find out that home staging began in the 1970s and was invented by an interior designer-turned-real estate agent. During the recession in the late 2000s, real estate became a buyer’s market. The practice of staging gained momentum as it was important for a property to stand out above the rest. Staging continues to become a more common practice among agents and sellers. Unsure if hiring a professional stager is the right move? Here’s a list of staging benefits that might sway you:

Help the buyer visualize.

Whether searching in person or online, it’s hard for a buyer to imagine how their belongings might fit into an empty space. But a staged home makes it easier for a buyer to envision the property as a future home – 82% according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors. This visualization helps buyers recognize if the home meets their expectations and helps them focus not on its present appearance, but on its potential.

Make it emotional.

The decision to buy a home can be an emotional one. It’s essential for buyers to fall in love with the property they eventually purchase. Staging will evoke positive feelings within a buyer, making that emotional bond between them and your home. This can often mean the difference between whether or not your home receives multiple offers, which means more money in your pocket.

Enhancing buyer’s experiences.

The weaknesses of a property don’t have to be deal breakers. For instance, a home with an odd floor plan can be furnished and decorated to make the space feel more conventional. In a smaller space, coordinating wall and furniture colors will give the impression of a larger room. If a property lacks lighting, increasing reflectivity and reducing window obstructions will help maximize its natural lighting. It’s more about playing up to a home’s strengths rather than hiding its flaws.

Increase a home’s value.

The national average of staging costs is $1,530. Many listing agents say that staging a home increases the dollar value. Of these agents, 23% report an increase of 1-5% and 18% report a 6-10% increase. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you invest a couple thousand in staging, your increase could be anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000. Now that’s a great return on investment!

Decrease the time on the market.

Having your house sit on the market for a long time can not only be frustrating, but could also make the property harder to sell. More than half of seller’s agents surveyed by the National Association of Realtors report that staging decreases the amount of time a home is on the market. Research shows that homes that are staged spend 73% less time on the market than those that are not. Also, the cost of staging a home outweighs lowering the price. When lowering the price of a property, it is standard to drop it over 3% of the listing price. For that $400,000 home we talked about earlier, that would be a $12,000 drop. Much more than the cost of a professional stager.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to staging. The bottom line is, if you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar and make a solid connection with your buyer, don’t be afraid to hire a professional stager. Their market know-how and skills will bring out the best in your home. This money well spent will also mean money back in the bank. Reach out anytime if you would like a referral for a great stager in our market, or just to learn more.

Anders Ibsen

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