Why Home Staging Works

So you’re thinking about listing your home for sale, or maybe you are already in the process of getting it ready, and the last thing you want to do is spend money on a home that you will soon be leaving. But if you’ve done your research and are working with a reputable realtor, you know that a little strategic spending on making your home the most attractive it can be to prospective buyers is money well spent. While important fixes to major items like your furnace or broken appliances are essential, the superficial appearance of your home is anything but an insignificant task. The way your home is presented, whether that be through a DIY effort or professional staging, is a huge part of how your home is marketed to buyers, and can equal real time and money in a sale. Before you decide that the time and effort isn’t worth it, consider these real reasons why home staging is one of your best tools in getting your house sold.

 

 

According to a 2016 RESA report (Real Estate Staging Association), a comparison of 1081 listings found that homes that were staged prior to going on the market spent 90% less time for sale than their un-staged counterparts. The report found that of the unstaged homes they followed, those listings were on the market for an average of 184 days, while those same homes that were then staged and relisted were on the market for a mere 41 days. That means the exact same home that opted to stage was sold in less than a quarter of the time! If these numbers aren’t enough, speak to any established real estate agent. They'll tell you that without a doubt, careful staging that includes decluttering and/or decorating means a faster sell at a better price.

 

 

We like to think that we are rational beings who can make smart decisions using our reason and intellect. We like to think a lot of things, but the reality is that buyers, and sellers, are emotional creatures who think and buy with our hearts. When selling your home, it can be very hard to part with the belongings that help make your house a home, and we all have individual tastes in how we decorate. From the buyers perspective, this can be off putting if the style and decor of the home varies greatly from their own tastes. As an owner, you can help mitigate this style-divide by working with a professional home stager who approaches your home as a impartial observer, providing suggestions about redecorating in a neutral way that can highlight the benefits of you home while giving potential buyers an opportunity to see themselves in their new house.

 

 

While some people are able to go into even the most derelict home and see it’s potential, the majority of us need to see what a home can be, not just what it is. The pictures that accompany your listing is the best example of this. The majority of buyers  will make their decisions about which homes to visit not just by how many bedrooms or bathrooms a home has, but by the pictures that accompany those listings. Most people need to see the potential  of your home, and this where home staging, whether you try it out yourself or hire a professional, is so important. An attractive home will attract real offers, and prepping your home through staging and professional photography will help you put your home’s best foot forward.

 

 

You know the old saying about real estate, location, location, location? It’s still true, but you could also replace it with lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle. When buying a home, a potential buyer is looking at more than just brick and mortar. They want a home that fits with the lifestyle they have, or the one they are looking for. While there isn’t much that can be done about your home’s location or local attractions, but how your home is decorated can advertise your home as a family friendly domicile or a young professional’s landing pad. A home stager who is familiar with your local market can tailor your home to appeal to the right set of potential buyers. This helps to ensure that the people looking for your type of home in your neighbourhood fall in love with your home and the new life they envision there.