Selling a home is a major decision and can be one of the most stressful experiences people ever go through if they fail to plan and prepare properly. Working with the right team to walk them through the process will eliminate 95% of the stress people experience and can turn their experience into a positive one. If you are considering selling your home, adding a professional home stager to your sales team can be one of the most rewarding decisions you will make.
Home staging is a trend that has gained popularity with sellers because of the impact it makes in substantially increasing the appeal of a home. Many people have heard of home staging, but few people understand staging and the full range of services that are a part of the staging process. I want to show you what home staging is, why it’s so important and how you can get the most value for your dollar when hiring a home stager.
Home Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale in order to appeal to the highest number of potential buyers so that the property will sell quickly, for the highest price. Studies have shown that staged homes sell 2-3 times faster and for up to 10% more money than homes that have not been staged. Oftentimes, sellers, and even some agents, will prepare a listing for sale without realizing that buyers aren’t only looking to purchase a structure comprising of a specified square footage and nice layout. People initially view a property because of its features, but they buy a home based on emotion, and ultimately the perceived lifestyle offered by the home.
When a buyer experiences a positive initial impression of a property, this can quickly translate into an emotional connection with the home and frequently creates a desire to make an offer. The best way to create this connection is to have the property presented in an appealing way. As a home owner, you have been living in your home in a way that is specific to your tastes and standards. However, when you are preparing your property for sale, it should no longer be a reflection of who you are but instead should be an expression of what buyers want. If you have already vacated your home, a prospective buyer walking into an empty property will often feel like the space is cold, boring and unmemorable. In both situations, the role of a home stager is to assist you in transforming your home into a buyer’s dream home.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a home stager is that they hire them too late. Oftentimes, people view home staging as solely de-cluttering and neutralizing a home. Nonetheless, it’s not what a stager removes that adds the most value, but the real value is in the addition of style. A good home stager is a professional with an eye for colour, detail and overall aesthetic. When beginning the selling process, many sellers attempt home improvements on their own, without having the experience to know where money should be spent or the skill to create a look that buyers will desire. When it comes to colours and finishes, new does not always equal nice, and “updated” can already be outdated. To get the most value from hiring a home stager, it is best to initiate the consultation process as early as possible. Most home stagers offer repair and renovation advice as part of a basic consultation at a minimal expense. This service is incredibly valuable and often overlooked. Creating a well-designed space as a backdrop for showcasing (setting up the furnishings and accessories in the space) is essential to capturing buyers interest and offers.
People often say, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you.” However, when it comes to selling your home, what you don’t know will cost you! After reading this article, I hope you have gained a firm understanding of the value of hiring a professional home stager. Home staging is a small investment that will reap significant returns. If you have questions about home staging, please feel free to contact Refresh and let us reveal your home’s hidden appeal.