Is home staging with it? Without a doubt, yes!
A thoughtfully staged home removes the mental work for the buyer. The layout makes sense, the finishes complement one another, and each space tells a clear story of how it should be lived in. Instead of having to imagine potential, buyers can instantly picture their life there. Done well, buyers don’t just admire the home – they experience it. And that emotional connection is often what turns a showing into an offer.
Many sellers believe a buyer can see a home’s potential. I promise you, 99% cannot. I am saying that as a Realtor with more than 20 years of experience!
Staging is your best marketing tool, and when done correctly, it creates an emotional connection with the buyer… and that is what adds value to your home sale. That’s why I offer it to all my clients FOR FREE.
Why is Staging Worth the Effort?
In short:
- It creates an emotional connection and a great first impression
- Makes a home feel larger and lighter
- It highlights the strengths and draws attention away from weaknesses
- It helps buyers visualize the space
- Defines spaces
- Makes photos stand out online
- Makes the home memorable
- Maximizes the value of the home
What The Numbers Say
Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that staged homes increase the offer price by 1-10%. Our staged listings have sold in the upper end of this range (about 5-10% above market value).
Not only do staged homes sell for more, but they sell faster. Staged homes sell up to 3 times faster in competitive markets. I can attest to this. In the past 3 years of declining markets, my staged listings have averaged about a week on the market, while the competition has often languished for months.
Staging Before & After
Staging in Action: My Recent Listing Where Staging Added Big Value
I recently competed for a listing against two other agents. The situation was an estate sale, and the home was in its original condition (1964). Probate was received to sell the house, and the executors were in a rush to get it on the market before winter weather and the maintenance it would require.
In this scenario, I was engaged to provide an opinion of value. I was referred to the sellers as a courtesy to give a second opinion on price. They advised me that they had essentially decided to go with another agent who was well known in the area. This agent told the sellers that staging wasn’t necessary given the home’s age and condition, and that any buyer would renovate. They valued the home at 600k.
I disagreed with the first agent and advised the homeowner that even with a house in its original condition, staging would add value.
I indicated that, with staging, the owners would be able to get around 630K. Wisely, the sellers hired me, and the sale price exceeded even my estimate.
The home’s marketing drove 55 showings and 14 offers. The successful buyers wrote the sellers a personal letter that spoke directly to the home’s presentation. The house sold firm in 6 days, with multiple offers, in a declining market.
Staging put an extra $32,500 in the client’s pocket. That’s the definition of adding value.
How to Prepare Your Home For Staging
Tip 1: Declutter your home. Since you’re moving, pack up everything you don’t need between now and when you move. Sell or dispose of any furniture or household items you don’t plan to bring with you.
Tip 2: Paint. This is the #1 best investment you will make in the sale of your home. For my clients, I bring in a colour expert. We usually choose a light neutral colour that works with the home’s hard finishes. We consider the lighting and how the colour will photograph in your home.
Tip 3: First Impressions. Curb appeal. Make sure there aren’t any tripping hazards, gardens and yards are cleaned up and mowed, snow is shovelled, and porches are swept.
Tip 4: Deep clean inside and out. Windows, baseboards, touchpoints like handles, knobs, and switchplates, in addition to kitchen, bathroom, and regular dusting, vacuuming, and mopping.
Is Virtual Staging Worth It?
I often get asked my opinion on virtual staging when speaking with sellers. Here’s the impact of virtual staging from my experience when working with buyers:
- Buyers feel misled when they visit the home
- No emotional connection is made
- Buyers walk into a cold and sterile home or a dated-feeling property
- Most buyers feel let down when walking through the home
The only situation where I suggest using virtual staging is if there’s an unfinished space in the home, and you can show what that specific space could be. The balance of the home would be fully staged, so there’s no disappointment when the buyers visit your home.
Virtual staging may get someone interested in viewing the home, but it doesn’t affect the in-person experience. Homes are not sold online. They are sold while the buyer is in the home.
Selling your house in order to downsize? Read these related blog posts for more helpful advice.
- Decluttering Tips For Seniors
- Can Downsizing Actually Save Me Money?
- 5 Signs It’s Finally Time To Downsize
Selling Your House? I Can Help!
If you’re thinking of selling and are wondering whether staging would help your home stand out in a competitive market, please feel free to contact me, and I can show you how staging will benefit your home sale.
Ready to sell? Reach out to 647.283.2127 or email stuart@stuartnodell.com to start a conversation.
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