Most people think that staging is decorating, but the truth is that staging is so much more than that. Before we talk about what staging is, let’s discuss what staging is not.
According to Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), Staging Is Not:
- Hiding Flaws
- Decorating
- Interior Design
- Personal Style
- Showcasing Collectibles
- Something you do for an Open House
What Does Staging Involve Then?
According to Real Estate Staging Association RESA staging is showcasing and preparing a property for sale and involves all or some of the following:
- Cleaning
- Decluttering
- Updating
- Painting
- Repairs
- Arranging Furniture
- Accessories, Art & Lighting
- Professional Photography
- Curb Appeal
Staging Benefits Sellers and Buyers
RESA research shows us that staged properties can increase the number of offers received and sell faster even in slow real estate markets. We work with buyers and sellers respectively so we get to see the effects proper staging has on both sides. Staging helps sellers show buyers the property’s full potential. Buyers tend to value staged homes more and see them as well maintained and move in ready. Sometimes buyers simply don’t have the funds to purchase a home and then pay more money for repairs and painting after closing.
Replace or Repair?
This is something we get asked a lot by the sellers. The answer is – it depends. Leaky faucets and sticky locks can be replaced or repaired. Worn out carpets, ripped window screens and broken light switches have to be replaced. Slow drains have to be repaired. The reality is that every home is unique and every situation is different. Sometimes sellers feel that doing something will add value and make buyers offer more for the home, but in reality it doesn’t. Working with buyers every day helps us stay in the know about things they value and things they don’t. It makes no sense for sellers to put money and work into something that buyers don’t find as important or a deal breaker. If a seller has a budget, a professional stager can tell them what’s the best way to invest it to get the highest return on investment. Sometimes just the right color and some light can make a huge impact.
Curb Appeal
Don’t forget curb appeal. Adding fresh mulch and repainting the front door can go a long way. Removing dead plants and power washing the home and the driveway will make it look more inviting and maintained. Consider adding some flowers and outdoor furniture.
Professional Photography
Most real estate searches start on the internet. According to the National Association
of REALTORS, 90% of homebuyers searched online during their home buying process. Real estate photos are the first impression, and you only have one chance to make a good first impression. What’s even more important is the main listing photo, because that’s the one that makes the buyers either click to view more, or move on to the next home. Another important thing to consider is the order of the photos. It should make sense for the buyer and adding a description under each photo will give it even a nicer touch.
If you have a great kitchen, you would want those pictures right after the first few exterior photos of the home. If you have outdated rooms or baths, these photos should be placed after the photos of your updated kitchen, not before. If the buyers see the photos of the outdated rooms or bathrooms, they will exit the listing page before they even get to see your beautiful kitchen photos. Little things like this matter a lot when selling a home. This is why we do our own professional real estate photos for our listings. We understand how important it is to capture the right angles and show off the right features of each property in order to generate traffic and a quick sale.
Staging or Not
We hold Real Estate Staging Association Certified Staging Advocate RESA CSA designation and understand the role staging can play in selling your home. Whether you’re considering hiring a professional stager, or just looking for some DIY free or low cost things you can do to increase your return on investment and sell your home for more, we would love to help you and be a part of that journey.
