10 Frequently Asked Questions About Home Staging
Home staging is on the rise in the real estate industry as one of the most effective marketing strategies for selling a home faster and for more money. However, if you’re new to the concept of home staging, you probably have a few burning questions.
Here are ten of the most frequently asked questions we receive about home staging. If you have any other questions not answered in this post, feel free to contact us! We’ll get back to you right away.
Frequently Asked Home Staging Questions
What is home staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by highlighting its best features and creating an environment that speaks to a buyer’s psychology. Think of it like packaging a product. To stand out in a competitive market, it has to be as appealing as possible and stand out from the crowd. Home staging focuses on what the buyer will need to see and feel when they walk through a home to inspire them to make an offer right away.
What is the difference between home staging and decorating?
Home staging is about making a home appealing to the widest range of buyers possible while decorating focuses on one person’s personal taste. In home staging, everything is kept neutral so that buyers can imagine their own décor in its place rather than getting distracted by someone else’s style. While the homeowner may love their décor, some buyers may have a hard time picturing their own décor in its place and become turned off from the home entirely.
Does home staging really work?
Several studies show that home staging helps homes sell faster and for more money than non-staged homes. Once staged, homes spend an average of 73% less time on the market and buyers are willing to spend 1% to 5% more of the dollar value on a staged home than a non-staged home. In the competitive housing market of today, home staging is one of the best marketing strategies at your disposal.
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How do I know if I need home staging?
Every home can benefit from home staging to increase its appeal to buyers. Even the most beautifully decorated and organized homes can benefit from it because what makes a home appealing while it’s on the market is different from what makes it appealing while someone is living in it. Empty homes benefit from it, too, because staging helps buyers visualize how to set up their furniture in it and understand the size of each room better.
Can’t I just do some decluttering?
While decluttering is an important part of home staging, it is only one step in the process. There are a lot of other components that make home staging truly effective as a marketing tool, such as repairs, color, décor, and small details that create a sense of home and capture a buyer’s imagination.
Do I need to put my stuff in storage to stage my home?
Usually, home staging incorporates a homeowner’s existing furniture and décor. If there are any items that do need to be removed, however, we recommend storing them in a storage unit or at a friend or family member’s home until you’re ready to move.
Do I need to hire a professional?
Home staging can be a completely do-it-yourself process with the help of home staging guides, like Megan Morris’ Stageology. However, professional home stagers often see things that others don’t and can give you a personalized evaluation of your home to give it the best chance at standing out from the competition. Some home stagers, like MHM Professional Staging, have warehouses full of décor, artwork, and furniture to use in homes while they’re on the market to increase its appeal to buyers.
How much does it cost?
Home staging can fit any budget. While some investment is required, it can be minimal depending on your situation. Even hiring a professional home stager can fit into your budget, as we offer a variety of services to fit everyone’s needs, such as home staging guides for DIY enthusiasts, virtual home staging, soft staging, and full-service staging. Keep in mind that the investment you make will come back to you when the home sells faster and for top dollar.
How will home staging affect my selling price?
Most staged homes end up selling for the listing price or close to it – sometimes even above it. A staged home has a higher perceived value, so you can also list the home for what it’s truly worth. A non-staged home will look like it needs more work, which often leads to deductions for repairs and the like so buyers have room to make improvements.
How do I choose the right home stager?
As home staging has proven its value in recent years, more and more home stagers are popping up in the industry. To make sure you hire a professional home stager that will deliver an effective, personalized service, do your research ahead of time. Look at reviews and testimonials, view their portfolio, and interview them before making a final decision.