Selling a home is complicated. And many people don’t realize how much effort and expense goes into preparing a home for sale.
One of the most important steps in preparedness is home staging. Simply put, it’s an artful way of composing furniture. When done right, it draws buyers in and makes them feel like they could live there.
There are many arguments over who pays for home staging. Should it be the seller or the realtor? This can get even messier when you factor in commissions.
This article will present both sides of the great home staging debate. We’ll also consider other relevant factors to give you an idea of who should take on this expense.
Who Benefits From Home Staging?
Home staging is a powerful tool for selling homes. And the ultimate beneficiary of this service is the seller. Home staging allows for quicker sales. It can also get you more money in offers.
When it comes to selling real estate, presentation matters. That’s why so many sellers choose to hire professional home stagers.
A home stager is an expert in making homes look attractive to potential buyers. First off, they declutter the house. Then, they bring in furniture and decorations to create a positive impression on viewers. They also emphasize a home’s best features.
In short, they create an environment that buyers fall in love with.
Staging also often helps increase the value of the entire house. So if you want to reach the best selling price possible, home staging can be your winning solution.
Homeowner Responsibilities During the Home Staging Process
Homeowners have a certain degree of responsibility during the home staging process. And this begins with providing access for the staging professionals to come in and assess their space.
Homeowners need to be honest about their budget. They must also ensure it can accommodate any changes their chosen design team may suggest. Furthermore, they should listen closely to the experts’ advice on how best to present their home.
Next, homeowners are expected to minimize clutter or distractions. Removing personal items from the area is the best way to do this. Ideally, as little furniture as possible should remain in the residence while staging occurs. This is so that there is ample room for designers to create magic with their decor pieces.
Along these same lines, homeowners should clear out closets and cabinets by taking items offsite. Doing so makes staged spaces look larger and more inviting to prospective buyers.
Finally, homeowners need to be proactive regarding maintenance and repairs. This allows the showings of their home to go smoothly. Homeowners must promptly and thoroughly address deficiencies noted by either themselves or their design team.
How to Assess if The Costs of Home Staging are Worth It
When assessing whether the cost of staging is worth it, the answer will always depend on the situation. For example, if your goal is to sell your home quickly at a higher sale price, then staging will be worth it. Otherwise, if you don’t have a huge budget or an urgent timeline to meet, then staging may not be necessary.
In general, assess the following factors before deciding on whether to pay for home staging:
- Real estate market conditions
- Budget for home improvements
- Timeline for selling
- List prices of similar homes in your area
- Age and condition of your home
Considering these will help you decide if paying for a professional stager is right for you. When choosing a stager, look for someone with experience with similar properties. Also, make sure that their rates fit within your budget.
Successful staging should present prospective buyers with an inviting and well-organized living space. It should make them want to purchase your property!
What Role Do Realtors Play in Home Staging?
Realtors play a vital role in the home staging process. They can ensure all the necessary steps are taken to make staging successful. This could be anywhere from selecting the right staging services or contractors to correctly pricing and marketing the property.
Real estate agents provide invaluable advice when choosing the right home staging company. They also help you with budgeting for the costs of these services. They’ve likely seen hundreds of homes before yours, so they know what works and what doesn’t.
Real estate agents also handle any issues during the staging process. These issues could include conflicts in schedule or additional costs for certain services.
An agent acts as a liaison between you and your stager. They communicate your wishes clearly while ensuring that all tasks are handled efficiently.
Common Real Estate Practices Regarding Home Staging Costs
Practices can vary depending on local regulations. Sometimes, the seller shoulders all home staging fees. Other times, the seller and their agent share the staging expenses.
It’s not unheard of for a seller to front all the staging fees upon their agent’s advice. This approach has certain advantages. For one, it could incentivize a long-term return on investment through faster sale completion.
In some cases, the agent agrees to reimburse a portion of the staging costs upon closing. Again, it’s important to work with your real estate agent to make sure these costs are factored into any contract negotiations. Also, do some research to figure out which works best for you.
Staging Your Home Before Selling It
Ultimately, selling a house is easier when it’s staged properly. It attracts more potential buyers to check out your home. It can also drive up a property’s value.
Who should pay for home staging can be a tricky question. Most of the time, it’s up to you and your real estate agent to decide how you want to handle the costs.
Regardless of how you decide to go about it, a well-staged home will always help increase your chances of getting top dollar!
