Selling a home can be a time consuming, daunting task, not to mention the added stress of keeping your family’s clutter or that of your client’s to a minimum so that potential buyers will not be turned off! Experts say that you need to navigate the fine line between presenting a home to buyers that looks too ‘lived in’ and one that looks too sterile and generic. The best way to accomplish an inviting, market ready home is by hiring a professional home staging company.
According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell u 80% quicker and for 11% more than non-staged homes. Home buyers tend to choose homes based on first impressions–while a home filled with personal items and a refrigerator filled with the kids’ drawings may be endearing to some, a buyer may find it impossible to see themselves living in the home—the thought of moving into someone else’s “life” makes them feel more like a guest, or even an unwanted intruder, depending on the circumstance. Staging a home is based on creating a connection with the buyers; A successful staging allows them to envision themselves in the home, leading their own lives. Decorations and style is subtle enough that the potential buyer can still re-decorate the home in their mind, to their own specifications.
Of course, these things are easier said than done if you are in the midst of relocating, which is why it may be more convenient to use a professional staging service. To get started, you first need to decide what type of staging you want or need. A consultation with a home staging service will help you to recognize the best features of your home and brainstorm ideas on how you and/or your realtor can best present your home. Consultations are generally fairly inexpensive and will end with a bid for staging part or all of your home.
According to Showhomes Home Staging, staging an occupied home is slightly more challenging than an empty one. They said, “The staging service will usually include re-arranging furniture and de-personalizing the home. Additional furniture and decorations will be supplied if it is deemed necessary for maximum curb appeal. Generally the more items provided from the staging company, the higher the fee will be.” Exterior home staging is as necessary as interior and plants or flowers may also be provided to further beautify outdoor area. Size, condition and location of the home, of course, all factor into the fee and amount of work which will be needed.
Staging a vacant home also presents its own unique challenges; Potential buyers find it difficult to visualize their own furniture and style in a home that is simply walls and floors. As such, vacant homes are typically on the market longer. In this situation, home staging services provide an entire household of furniture, accessories and decorations to aid the sellers in getting their home off the market. One plus of a vacant home is that the home can be staged to appeal to the demographic that will most likely be looking to buy. For instance, if the owners style was country cottage and the current trend most potential buyers are seeking is sleek and modern, a home staging company can easily choose items that correspond with what your target demographic will be searching for.
Lastly, if your home is in need of a total makeover, or you have bought a home for the purpose of rehabbing it and selling to a new buyer, you may be interested in total renovation home staging. In these situations your consultant can help you choose anything from wall colors and flooring to new counter tops and lighting fixtures, or even exterior paint colors.
If you are in the process of listing your home for sale, do not hesitate to contact a professional staging service to help make the selling process enjoyable and stress-free
