The saying might be don’t judge a book by its cover, but in the world of real estate, appearances matter — specifically, the appearance of your home if you’re looking to sell. And first impressions carry a lot of weight as buyers look for their dream homes.
That’s where staging becomes essential to the entire process. To some, it may seem like a waste of time or money, but the reality is that this investment can make a significant difference in presenting the value of your home.
Additionally, experienced real estate agents in Lytton Park will tell you the same thing — staging your home is important when you’re looking to get the most for your property. In this guide, we’ll break down precisely what staging means and entails, as well as some key reasons why it can truly make a difference even in a seller’s market.
What is Staging?
Staging is the process of preparing a home to be listed for sale to appeal to potential buyers. This process commonly involves cleaning, redecorating, and rearranging furniture to maximize a particular space. The overall goal of staging a home is to show potential buyers what their lives could look like in each room. It’s meant to help them envision how the space functions and allows them to picture their own belongings in the home.
How Much Does Staging Cost?
The cost of staging varies greatly, depending on several important factors. The first is whether you’ll be renting new furniture from a showroom or simply renting decor pieces to accent your current furniture. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size of your home and the type of pieces selected.
In addition to renting specific pieces for each room, there are other costs to consider during the staging process — including renting storage units to store additional belongings, purchasing paint to refresh specific rooms, and any cleaning supplies needed to ensure your staging process sparkles.
How Does Staging Help Sell My Home?
The process of staging has been used for many years in homes across North America. No matter the size or specs of the home, there are several unique benefits that come from putting in the time and finances to present your home in the best possible way.
Attracting More Buyers
When your home is listed on real estate websites, buyers are able to browse before making the decision to view the home in person. This is where staging becomes an important part of the equation. In these photos, if buyers are able to see a well-lit, well-staged living room or kitchen, they’re more likely to be intrigued in a way they wouldn’t be if the room were bare. That interest is often guaranteed to bring in more buyers, which increases your chances of selling your home at its listed price.
Builds Emotional Connections
When a buyer walks through a home, they’re looking to emotionally connect with the space and want to envision themselves living there. Staging is a way to showcase what each room can offer and how it can function for that buyer. With the right staging, buyers can better envision their lives in that home and how their current belongings will fit.
Helps You Move
Moving is one of the most stressful parts of listing and selling your home. With staging, you can actually get a head start on the moving process. If you’re renting new furniture and decor, you can begin moving your current furniture and belongings into storage — or into your new home if you were able to secure an early move-in date.
Does Staging Matter in a Seller’s Market?
Yes, even in a seller’s market, staging matters. According to many real estate professionals, buyers prefer staged homes even when the market is not in their favor — and 96 percent of buyers’ agents agree that this process affects how their clients view potential homes.
Conclusion
The process of listing and selling a home is no small undertaking, and every decision counts. We’ve seen how staging can help elevate your home, connect with buyers, and aid in selling your home at its maximum value.
With these helpful insights, you can take the next step with your real estate agent and experience the full range of benefits home staging can offer.
