If you are a real estate agent or homeowner, you might have heard of home staging. You or your friends might have discussed using a service but don’t really know if it’s worth it.
Even in a strong seller’s market, home staging matters.
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) (https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging) shows that staged homes, sell faster and for more money.
How can that be, when there is such a low inventory of homes and often multiple offers? Let’s first define staging: it is not home décor for the owners or occupants. It is preparing a home for sale by making it more appealing to buyers. Home staging can include decluttering, rearranging furniture and accessories, updating lighting, painting and the like.
While staging makes home more attractive to potential buyers, it also is critical to how the home photographs.
From the NAR: “…89% of homebuyers said photos were the most helpful website tool in their home search experience. Like a first date, job interview or billboard ad, first impressions matter. And the first impression homebuyers see today is online photos of your property.”
Buyers use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com and other online services to find and preview properties, and based on photos, will decide which homes to view. Homes that are uncluttered, current, clean, light and attractive obviously will appeal to most buyers more. Homes that buyers can see themselves living in appeal to buyers even more.
Ok, case made. How does this work? Staging can be as simple as a consultation with a qualified expert who will provide a specific list of recommendations. Home stagers can then work with the homeowner and agent to implement recommendations, which should start at the entry, continue through the home and garage and storage areas and into any outdoor spaces.
Recommendations might be as simple as cleaning and putting away small objects, rearranging furniture, making lighting consistent or removing items that block flow and light. Some homes might benefit from painting, swapping or removing window treatments and adding or replacing plantings.
Talk to your agent today, or contact us directly if you are selling your home. The return on investment will be worth it!
