Is home staging really worth it? Why do so many people recommend staging when selling your home? Does it really make that big of a difference?
Here are some examples of before and after photos, so you can decide for yourself.
Is Home Staging Really Worth It?
Staging isn’t cheap. Many home sellers pay between $2,500 – $10,000 to professionally stage their home. Why are they willing to front that considerable expense? Is it really worth it?
Most real estate professionals say YES. Staged homes usually sell more quickly, and for more money, than non-staged properties. Empty rooms can make a buyer wonder what to do with them. Home staging helps a buyer visualize the usability of a space, and can even help a small room look larger.
My Home Already Looks Good. Why Stage It?
A professional stager creates a clean, comfortable “hotel” look that invites buyers to visualize themselves in the home. Professional stagers know how to appeal to a broad set of tastes. They constantly update their inventory with fashionable accessories and furniture.
Like a hotel room, a staged home does not display personal items. Toothbrushes, pet items, and family photos are put away, so that buyers do not feel like they’re invading someone’s home.
It’s best to show a home that looks “move-in ready,” so that buyers don’t anticipate big projects that would need to be done in order to move in, such as cleaning or repairs.
Before and After Photo Gallery
Home Staging: Getting Started
Here are the main steps to staging your home to sell:
- Meet with a professional stager, who can help determine furniture placement, and what can stay during the sale.
- Remove everything else.
- Schedule a full professional cleaning, including windows and window panes.
- Schedule exterior landscaping/cleaning.
- The stager returns to furnish and decorate, in time for the professional photographer.
Want more information on getting the most money for your home? Here’s what I do to prepare your home to sell, and my seller services that I offer. Contact me anytime!
