What is home staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by making it look its best. It involves decluttering, rearranging, and decorating to appeal to potential buyers. The goal of home staging is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make buyers feel welcomed and inspired to make an offer. While home staging doesn’t necessarily increase the value of a property, it does help to sell it faster and at a higher price.
Benefits of home staging
There are several benefits of home staging, including increased property value, faster sale, and a higher selling price. By making your home look its best, you can create a lasting impression on potential buyers and increase the perceived value of your property. Additionally, staged homes tend to sell faster than non-staged homes, which means you can move on to your next adventure sooner. Finally, staged homes generally sell for a higher price than non-staged homes, which can add up to a significant amount of money in your pocket.
Home staging statistics
According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyers’ agents said that staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Additionally, 22% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1-5% of the dollar value offered by buyers for staged homes. Furthermore, 17% of sellers’ agents reported that staging a home increased the dollar value of the home between 6-10%.
Home staging tips
Here are some tips for staging your home for sale:
1. Declutter: Get rid of anything that doesn’t add value to the space. Clear countertops, remove excess furniture, and pack away personal items.
2. Deep clean: Make sure your home is spotless. Hire a professional cleaning service if necessary.
3. Neutralize: Paint walls in neutral colors to appeal to a wider audience.
4. Rearrange: Arrange furniture in a way that highlights the best features of your home.
5. Add decorative touches: Add fresh flowers, decorative pillows, and other items that add warmth and interest to the space.
How to stage your home for sale
When staging your home for sale, it’s important to focus on the main living areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. In the living room, arrange furniture in a conversational grouping and add decorative touches such as accent pillows and throws. In the kitchen, clear countertops and add a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers. In the master bedroom, make the bed the focal point of the room and add decorative pillows and a throw blanket.
DIY home staging vs. professional home staging
While DIY home staging can save you money, professional home staging can provide a higher level of expertise and attention to detail. Professional home stagers have an eye for design and can create a cohesive look throughout your home. Additionally, they have access to furniture and decor that can make your home look its best.
The cost of home staging
The cost of home staging varies depending on the size of your home and the level of staging required. DIY home staging can be done for free or for a minimal cost, while professional home staging can cost several thousand dollars. However, the return on investment can be significant, as staged homes tend to sell faster and for a higher price.
Home staging success stories
There are countless success stories of homeowners who have used home staging to sell their homes faster and for a higher price. One homeowner in California was able to sell her home for $1.2 million, which was $300,000 more than she originally planned, thanks to home staging. Another homeowner in Texas was able to sell her home for $10,000 more than the asking price in just three days, thanks to home staging.
Choosing a home stager
When choosing a home stager, it’s important to do your research. Look for a stager who has experience in your local market and who has a portfolio of successful home staging projects. Additionally, make sure the stager is insured and has a good reputation in the industry.
Conclusion
Home staging is a powerful tool for increasing your property value and selling your home faster. By making your home look its best, you can create a lasting impression on potential buyers and increase the perceived value of your property. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, home staging can help you achieve a successful sale and move on to your next adventure.
