Staging your home is worth the time and expense. All good realtors know this and will insist on a staging. First, let me say that some homes may not need a complete staging. Some may be better off with what is called a “home re-arrangement”. So how is a home re-arrangement different from a staging? A home staging normally refers to the home being emptied of the seller’s contents and replaced with staging furniture and accessories. A home re-arrangement refers to clearing the seller’s home of non-essential items and having the home accessorized with items which will allow the home to be shown in the best possible light.
There is a substanial difference in price between the two. Stagings can run $3,000-$5,000, or more, depending on the size of the home and the duration of the need for the staging to remain in place. Home re-arrangments can cost $750-$2,000, mostly depending on the size of the home.
If your realtor tells you that your home needs to be staged…..do not take it personally. You may have the most beautiful furniture ever made, but if it will not appeal to most buyers, your realtor should insist that it goes. The objective of staging is simple: portray the home in the best possible light in a manner that will resonate with the greatest number of buyers. Again, don’t take it personally….your realtor is simply trying to get you top dollar for your home.
It has been my experience that an investment between $750-$5,000 to enable the home to looks its absolute best, has paid off with huge dividends for my sellers. First impressions are everything when buyers first look at your home. If they like the initial impression they are more likely to stick around and ask more detailed questions, giving your property a chance to show its underlying qualities as well.
6 Comments
I have to say, I am not a big believer in staging. I think the average buyer can see through other people’s furniture and decorating…and see their own possibilities. We staged our home when we sold 3 years ago and I do not think it made one bit of difference. $5,000 to stage??? I am not seeing the payoff.
Although I can see why someone might feel that staging a home is not worth the price, let me tell you it is. Being in the business I am able to survey both those who use stagers and those who do not. The comments, at open houses for example, change dramatically between a staged or re-designed home and home that has not been staged. Potential buyers respond well to homes in which they don’t have to look through another persons tastes. A home where they see a neutral, uncluttered pallate that is not full of other peoples “treasures” and therefore can more easily use their imagination to invision their own things in the home. It has benefited myself and many other sellers with whom I’ve either worked or spoken with. I can honestly say that I have gotten nothing but positive feedback…from buyers and sellers alike.
Although I can see why someone might feel that staging a home is not worth the price, let me tell you it is. Being in the business I am able to survey both those who use stagers and those who do not. The comments, at open houses for example, change dramatically between a staged or re-designed home and home that has not been staged. Potential buyers respond well to homes in which they don’t have to look through another persons tastes. A home where they see a neutral, uncluttered pallate that is not full of other peoples “treasures” and therefore can more easily use their imagination to invision their own things in the home. It has benefited myself and many other sellers with whom I’ve either worked or spoken with. I can honestly say that I have gotten nothing but positive feedback…from buyers and sellers alike.
I have to agree with MikeB61 completely. Buyers are a lot smarter than realtors give them credit for. They can see through the staging. It’s not worth the $5k-6k. save your money.
I am not sure that it is a question of buyers not being smart. To the contrary, I believe today’s buyers are more informed about the home buying process than at any other time. It is more to the fact that some buyers simply have trouble visualizing possibilities with rooms in the home. Having shown between 400-500 homes during the past year I can tell you that the homes which have been staged simply show better and resonate with a higher number of buyers.
I also understand that the thought of dishing out an additional 5-6K on top of other real estate fees is a tough pill for sellers to swallow. I will usually cover most of the cost of staging for my sellers and I know many other respected realtors will do the same. So sellers should not feel that they are entirely obligated to cover the cost of a staging.
Deciding whether to stage or not stage really depends on the house, your decor, the current market, and where you live.
If your house is full of clutter, has unique furniture and decor, or has a strange floorplan, then staging is a great option for you. Especially in the San Carlos market, a staged house is practically required as you are catering towards buyers where the first impression makes a big difference. Yes, I do agree that buyers generally know when a house is staged, but at the same time, it is quite obvious when a house is not staged or basically not show-ready.
Some houses have a great layout, location, etc. and can practically sell itself. On the other hand, a number of houses need the extra help, and staging is a great option, even if it means just decluttering, relocating furniture, or adding some wall art. If you’re selling a close to million+ dollar home, it better look like it.