If you want your house to compete in the local real estate market, you need to make it attractive to potential buyers. Many buyers today prefer a move-ready property over a fixer-upper. As house prices continue to increase, the thought of investing more time and money into an older or damaged home will turn many prospects away.
Major home repairs and upgrades can increase your home’s resale value significantly. However, they don’t always provide aesthetic value, which is where professional home staging can help you make a great first impression. But is home staging worth it?
How Does Home Staging Work?
Many sellers believe that staging is nothing more than cleaning in and around the home, while adding a few decorative elements. While that certainly is a good starting point, home staging involves more than addressing surface issues. Staging is essentially de-personalizing your home so that buyers can see themselves in it. It involves a wide range of tasks, including.
- Deep-cleaning and sanitizing
- Landscaping
- Light upgrades or repairs
- De-cluttering or clearing rooms (may include putting items in storage)
- Painting
- Maximizing natural light
When you hire a professional, home staging begins with a consultation. During consultation, the staging professional comes to your home, evaluates what buyers will like about it, and what should be done before you list the house.
From here, the home staging process depends on your situation. The staging might be as simple as rearranging some furniture to open up your home and better utilize the space. Or it could be more involved, like repainting the walls, removing personal clutter, and furnishing entire rooms.
What Are the Benefits of Home Staging
Real estate professionals can’t promise sellers their property will stand out and receive the highest offers unless buyers fall in love with the home. That’s where staging makes a big difference. There are several advantages to staging your home.
Your Home Stands Out
With so much competition, your home can get lost in the myriad of listings in your market. It’s important to do everything you can to stand out. Professionally staged homes are eye-catching and encourage more buyers to consider your property.
Staging Excites More Buyers
Buyers must fall in love with the property they choose to buy. You create an emotional connection between a buyer and your home by staging it. Professional color combinations, smart layouts, and unexpected pieces help the buyer develop positive feelings about the space..
You Can Take Advantage of Design and Floor Plans
When a room is empty, it can be tough to envision how a buyer might use it. That’s especially true if there’s an unusual layout or dated features. Staging helps buyers see the potential of a room and how to get the most value out of it.
You Can Increase the Asking Price
If your home has been sitting on the market for a while and you’ve been considering cutting the price to help move it, you might want to try staging it instead. Staging may help you sell your house fast and put you in a position to raise the asking price.
Is It Worth It to Stage Your Home?
When weighing the pros and cons of home staging, you need to look beyond the cost. Some staging requires minimal money and effort. Other staging tasks can put a dent in your selling budget. Regardless of the expense, the real question you need to ask yourself is the ROI of staging your property.
According to a 2021 survey by the NAR, more than 80 percent of real estate agents recommend staging a home to attract buyers. Over 20% of agents reported a one to five percent increase in offers compared to sellers who chose to sell their home as-is. According to HomeAdvisor, staged homes spend between 33 and 50 percent less time on the market.
When considering staging your home, consider factors such as
- Total staging costs
- Projected ROI
- Projected asking price
- Your target buyers
Also, don’t make the decision. Consult your real estate agent and an experienced, licensed consultant from a local staging company. They can guide you through the process and help you avoid mistakes.
Request a Quick Quote for Home Staging in Fenton, Missouri
With the right strategy and resources, home staging can give you a good rate of return and help you close your house on your terms. Dazzle Home Staging offers comprehensive home staging services in Fenton, Missouri. Our team of home experts can partner with you to enhance your home’s curb appeal and interior design. Fill out our online form or call 314-846-8999 to request a quick quote.
