To Stage, or Not to Stage?

In today’s real estate market, it’s critical that sellers take steps to be as prepared as possible when putting their homes on the market. This means they need to have homes staged so that the property shows at its absolute best.

What is staging? Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale with special emphasis on presentation and appearance. It is more about the aesthetic than the mechanical. The goal of staging is to present the house in the best possible light to the largest pool of potential purchasers. So why stage your home?

First, a recent Maritz Research study found that 63% of buyers are willing to pay more for move-in ready homes. That means your investment in staging will be a sound one. Staging can accentuate the positive features of a home and accelerate your chances of a prompt and profitable sale. When paired with price and proper marketing, staging can make your home more attractive than its un-staged equivalent.

Second, staging helps your home appeal to the maximum number of potential buyers. A professional stager can help you present a house that is leaner, cleaner and more design-neutral than the home that reflects only your individual preference. Third, staging will generate traffic through your home. A staged home appeals to the potential buyer at the curb and continues throughout. Staged homes photograph and show better than unstaged homes, creating a superior marketing package that allows your home to stand out. And remember, 80% of buyers start their search on the Internet, which means your home’s photographs are critical to the first impression your home makes.

A neutral palate and comfortable furniture arrangement showcase the features of this light-filled and spacious Hinsdale, Illinois, living room: the spectacular picture window, the dramatic ceiling, the fireplace, and gleaming hardwood floors. Property: 824 S. County Line Rd., Hinsdale, IL - Presented by Karen W. Farley, Coldwell Banker

Call Karen Farley for more details on how home staging can and has made all the difference in the selling process.
Look for more tips on staging and selling your home in future posts.