Maximize Your Home's Appeal: Comprehensive Guide to Home Staging Costs, Tips, and Benefits
"Home staging is the art of creating an inviting atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in a space. It's about turning a house into a home that tells a story and sparks the imagination."
My conversations with clients listing their homes often touch on home staging. Depending on each client's demands and circumstances (as well as the condition of their property), the question is frequently phrased something like "Is it worth it to stage my home?" But, all things considered, among the improvements you can do to a house before selling, staging it expertly offers some of the finest ROI (Return on Investment).
What is Home Staging?
Staging refers to furnishing and decorating aesthetically pleasing property to maximize its marketability and appeal. It's a form of market preparation intended to showcase a home in its best possible light.
Home Staging Costs
Professional staging costs vary tremendously based on location, condition, and existing furnishings. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, the median price of staging throughout the US is $675. However, in areas like San Diego, costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for typical homes. Some staging companies apply recurring monthly charges, so it's essential to inquire about all costs upfront to avoid surprises.
Who Pays for Staging?
The responsibility for staging costs depends on the market and the agent. Often, the seller bears the costs, but some agents in specific markets might pay for some or all of the staging, demonstrating its perceived value in selling homes.
HOME Staging ROI – Return on Investment
If staging didn't provide a net benefit to sellers, it wouldn't be as popular. In a survey of 2,363 Realtors, 71% believed a staged home would sell for 1% to 20% more. For instance, investing $5,000 in staging a $750,000 home could increase the sale price by 3%, resulting in a net gain of $17,500.
Staging and Its Impact on Days on Market
A home's time on the market can be significantly shortened by staging. A property that lingers on the market often becomes undesirable and may face price reductions. Staging can help expedite sales and avoid these reductions.
What About the "Homes Seem More Spacious with Nothing In Them" Theory?
While spaciousness can appeal to buyers, there are better strategies than emptying a home. Staged homes generally show better than empty ones by making spaces more inviting and defined.
Home Staging Tips and How Staging Helps Maximize Property Appeal
1. Appealing Decor
Using color, texture, and design, staging can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. Decorations, like throw rugs, paintings, and plants, can enhance visual appeal.
2. Defining Spaces
Staging helps buyers understand the purpose of different areas in a home, removing guesswork and making spaces more attractive.
3. Highlighting Architectural Style
Staging should match the home's architectural style and highlight its key features.
4. Creating a Consistent Style
Good staging creates a unified style throughout the home, avoiding jarring transitions from one room to the next.
Priority Rooms for Staging
According to a 2015 National Association of Realtors survey, the most important rooms to stage are:
Living Room
Kitchen
Master Bedroom
Dining Room
Bathroom
Children's Bedroom
Guest Bedroom
DIY Staging vs. Professional Staging
Staging can be something other than professional. Some homeowners with impeccable taste can stage their own homes with minor guidance. However, professional staging is often recommended for its objectivity and resource access.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Stager
Reasons to Hire a Professional Stager
Homeowners can never be objective about their own homes.
Homeowners lack the resources and inventory stagers have.
It costs more to DIY all around.
A professional staging team can complete the job in a few days, whereas DIY efforts might take weeks and still not achieve the same results.
10 Rules for Staging Your Home for Real Estate Listings
Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove personal items, family photos, and excess furniture to make the space feel clean and open.
Enhance Curb Appeal: Ensure the home's exterior is well-maintained, with a newly mowed lawn, trimmed hedges, and a clean driveway.
Create a Welcoming Entrance: Ensure the entryway is inviting and clutter-free. Consider adding a nice doormat and potted plants.
Neutralize the Color Palette: To appeal to many potential buyers, stick to a neutral color scheme, such as whites, grays, and beiges.
Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let natural light into the home, making it feel brighter and more spacious.
Arrange Furniture Thoughtfully: Arrange furniture showcasing each room's functionality and flow.
Ensure Cleanliness and Organization: Deep clean the home, paying particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms, and make sure all surfaces are clutter-free.
Enhance with Staging Accessories: Add simple, tasteful accessories like throw pillows, artwork, and decorative items to add visual interest.
Address Any Necessary Repairs: Fix any noticeable issues, such as cracked tiles or leaky faucets, to create a polished, well-maintained appearance.
Consider Professional Staging: If your budget allows, hire a professional home stager. They can provide expert advice and furnishings to create a model home-like atmosphere.
More at https://www.realestatephotographerpro.com/blog/how-to-prepare-a-home-for-real-estate-photos
Remember, home staging aims to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space and highlight the home's best features.
Conclusion
Staging can greatly impact your home's selling price by significantly increasing its appeal and shortening its time on the market. Whether you choose to stage it yourself or hire a professional, the benefits of staging are undeniable. Check out the video walkthrough of staged vs. unstaged properties for further insights and a visual comparison.
More at
Home Staging: Buyers' Agent Perspective
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging
Free PDF - Profile of Home Staging National Association of REALTORS® Research Group