The Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®, the trade association for Professional Real Estate Stagers) defines staging as, the act of preparing and showcasing residential or commercial property for sale. It is a systematic and coordinated methodology in which knowledge of real estate, home renovations and creative design principles are applied to attract a buyer.
Many people think that staging is decorating. There is a significant difference between the two. Decorating is about your personal style. Staging is about marketing your home to many buyers who are looking at your home and comparing it to other homes for sale. However, do remember that staging your home does not have to equate to a boring style. Keep these three words in minds when getting your home ‘stage ready’ to sell on the market: CLEAN – SIMPLE – DEPERSONALIZED.
Overall, professional stagers/REALTORS agree that staging a property prior to going on the market benefits
everyone who is involved with the sale and purchase of the property. Professional stagers/REALTORS will recommend repairs and upgrades that are needed to get the property in market ready condition.
STAGING A HOME WILL SHOWCASE YOUR HOME IN THE BEST LIGHT POSSIBLE TO ATTRACT BUYERS.
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Buyers often do not have the funds to purchase a home then pay more money to address repairs, painting, etc. Buyers realize and appreciate the benefits of purchasing a professionally staged property.
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Staged properties sell faster when compared with properties that have not been staged.
- From the date of listing until the day of closing, home staging shortens this time frame, even in a slow real estate market.
- Staged properties can increase the number of offers and selling price in hot markets.
- Buyers view professionally staged listings as “well-maintained’.
- Buyers’ agents recognize that professionally staged listings are “move-in” ready and are more inclined to show staged properties.
- Photos of professionally staged listings look better on the MLS, real estate websites, in printed format and in virtual tours.
- Professionally staged listings “STAND-OUT” to viewers. The cost in using a professional real estate photographer is worth the investment!
20 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME TO SELL QUICKLY
- Make your home look organized – even if you aren’t.
- Remove excess furniture throughout your home.
- Hang mirrors to widen a narrow room.
- Remove half the contents of your closets to show buyers there’s plenty of room.
- Add light inside closets to make them look bigger.
- Take everything off of the closet floor.
- Color coordinate and organize clothing in closets.
- Buy new bedding in neutral tones to dress up bedrooms.
- Showcase bedrooms as bedrooms. If the room has a closet, window and door then it is a bedroom.
- Make your master bathroom look and feel spa-like/ a retreat.
- Minimize what is on your shelves, bookcases, walls to make rooms feel more spacious.
- Remove all household appliances that are not used on a daily basis.
- Make sure beds are made every day.
- Hide dirty laundry.
- Ensure sink is clear of any dishes and minimize items on the kitchen counter.
- Pack away personal items: family photos, children’s artwork, excess trophies, unusual collections, etc.
- Clear clutter from bathroom counters & store prescriptions in a safe place.
- Have pet areas cleaned up and/or removed temporarily during photographs and showings.
- Remove trash cans from view. Inside and outside.
- Tidy up your outside landscape and add curb appeal. First impressions are everything!
NEED MORE HELP & INFO? Contact Julie Liles, certified home stager/REALTOR.
Staging is what translates a generic product into a desirable and marketable product that drives sales. When you invest in staging your home, do not skimp on the use of a professional photographer. Staged properties should be professionally photographed so they have the best chance of being memorable to a potential buyer who views it online. Remember that saying, “You only have one chance to make a first impression?” – Courtesy of RESA.