As an interior design consultant, I've worked with numerous homeowners preparing to sell their homes. One of the most common questions I get asked is, "Is home staging worth the cost?" In this post, I'll delve into the pros and cons of home staging, provide a checklist for staging the most common rooms in a house, and discuss the small and big improvements that can be made when preparing your house for sale.
The Pros of Home Staging
Increased Home Value:
Home staging is a savvy investment that can work wonders for boosting the value of your property. When you stage your home just right, it's like giving it a dazzling makeover that captivates potential buyers from the get-go. You create an irresistible charm that makes them feel like they've found their dream home. That emotional connection often translates into a willingness to pay more, making your efforts well worth it. In my experience, staged homes can often entice multiple bids with each buyer willing to pay a premium to ensure that they will win the bid.
Faster Sale Time:
Even more awesome? Staged homes sell, 73% faster than those that aren’t. This is a significant advantage, especially if you're in a hurry to sell. The longer a home stays on the market, the more likely it is to require price reductions. By staging your home, you can potentially avoid these price reductions and sell your home more quickly. The last home I staged this summer sold in 18 days.
Better Online Photos:
In today's digital age, over 90% of potential buyers look at homes they found online before deciding to visit. Home staging can make your listing photos stand out and attract more potential buyers. A beautifully staged home can create striking photos that grab buyers' attention as they scroll through online listings. If your photos aren’t enticing you run the risk that potential buyers won’t take the time to visit your property when they are making their rounds.
Easier to Visualize:
Home staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as a future home. When potential buyers walk into a vacant home, they often find it difficult to imagine what it would look like furnished. Staging helps to solve this problem by setting up the home in a way that showcases its potential. It helps buyers visualize how they would use the space and how their own furniture might fit into the home. when I stage, I love leaving visual cues for the buyer that remind them that they will love living in the space and try to play up features that are unique to the home.
Sets Your Home Apart:
In a competitive market, home staging can set your home apart from other listings. It can make your home more memorable and appealing to buyers, increasing the likelihood that they'll make an offer. In a sea of similar listings, a staged home can stand out as a move-in-ready option that requires less work and imagination on the part of the buyer.
The Cons of Home Staging
Upfront Costs:
Home staging can indeed be expensive. You'll need to pay for a professional stager and potentially for storage for your belongings. However, as an interior design consultant, I can work with you to create a staging plan that fits within your budget. This could involve using existing furniture and decor, renting pieces, or purchasing inexpensive items that can be used in your next home.
It's Not Always Necessary:
If your home is newer or already well-decorated, staging might not be necessary. However, even in these cases, a professional eye can be beneficial. An interior design consultant can provide a fresh perspective and suggest minor tweaks that can make a big difference. This could be as simple as rearranging furniture, decluttering, or adding a few key accessories.
Can Be Time-Consuming:
Preparing a home for staging can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of clutter or personal belongings to remove. As an interior design consultant, I can help streamline this process. I can provide guidance on what to keep, what to store, and what to get rid of, making the process more efficient and less overwhelming.
No Guarantee:
While home staging can increase the likelihood of a sale and potentially increase the sale price, it doesn't guarantee either outcome. However, the statistics are in favor of staging. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73% faster, on average, than non-staged homes. As an interior design consultant, I can help maximize the potential benefits of staging your home.
Potential to Over Stage:
There's a risk of making your home look too generic or like a model home, which some buyers might not find appealing. This is where the expertise of an interior design consultant comes in. I can help create a balance between a clean, appealing space and one that feels warm and lived-in. The goal is to make potential buyers feel like they could live there, not like they're walking into a showroom. While staging is meant to create a space that feels authentic, people are still buying the fantasy, so curb your desire to include things like oven mitts and shoe racks, which while practical add unnecessary clutter and may even point out weaknesses in the home like lack of storage.
Checklist for Staging the Most Common Rooms in a House
Living Room:
The living room is often the first room that potential buyers see when they enter a home, and it's where they'll likely spend a significant amount of time. It's important for this space to feel welcoming and comfortable. A clutter-free space with well-arranged furniture invites conversation and interaction, while bright lighting can make the room feel more open and inviting. Fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit can add a touch of life and color to the room, making it feel more homely and appealing.
Kitchen:
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It's where meals are prepared and often where families gather to eat and spend time together. A clean, clutter-free kitchen with clear countertops and clean appliances can make the space feel more functional and appealing. Personal items and fridge magnets should be removed to allow potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the space. Setting the table or breakfast bar can help buyers visualize themselves using the space.
Bedrooms:
Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries where people relax and unwind. A well-made bed with nice linens can make the room feel cozy and inviting. Clearing bedside tables of personal items and removing personal photos or clutter can help potential buyers visualize the space as their own. The goal is to create a serene, peaceful environment that potential buyers can imagine retreating to at the end of the day.
Bathrooms:
Bathrooms are often small but important spaces in a home. A sparkling clean bathroom can make the space feel more luxurious and spa-like. Hiding personal products and hanging fresh towels can make the bathroom feel more like a hotel, which can be appealing to buyers. A new bar of soap or a small plant can add a touch of luxury and life to the space.
Outdoor Spaces:
Outdoor spaces can significantly increase a home's appeal. A well-maintained lawn, trimmed bushes, and a clean deck or patio can make the outdoor space feel more inviting. Outdoor furniture can help potential buyers visualize themselves using the space, whether it's for dining al fresco, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Colorful flowers can add visual interest and make the space feel more vibrant and appealing.
Small improvements can include things like painting the walls a neutral color, replacing old or worn-out rugs, decluttering, and deep cleaning. Big improvements can include things like replacing outdated kitchen appliances, adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of the house, or professionally landscaping the yard.
Incorporating design and proper decor in your home staging can greatly benefit you as a seller. It can create a more appealing space that potential buyers can envision themselves living in. It can also increase the perceived value of your home, leading to higher offers.
As an interior design consultant, I can help you stage your home to appeal to potential buyers and get the best possible price for your property. Whether you're selling your home or setting up an Airbnb, proper staging and design can make a significant difference. Contact me today to discuss how I can best assist you in getting your home ready for sale!
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