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- India Erb, "India Erb"
- Contributions:13
I have seen results in the buyer's perception as to how much a house is worth increase due to staging, but have not necessarily seen an increase in sales because of it.
- Jennifer Maxian, "jennifer.maxian"
- Contributions:5
I think if you have access to a GOOD stager, then it makes a big difference. Unfortunately, there are some stagers that don't do a great job, like in any profession. Ultimately, my opinion is that a good stager can make a house show much better than it would without staging.
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4699
If I see a house for sale that is empty inside I know I am more likely to find a motivated seller. That is good staging to me.
- Nancy Lee, "An OrderLee Home"
- Contributions:1195
oooh Dan, that is an interesting way to look at it!
- Nancy Lee, "An OrderLee Home"
- Contributions:1195
As far as staging being situational..
With vacant houses, if they are in a popular location, are very clean, have a simple & straight forward floor plan, and are fairly small (under 1500 sf), I may suggest painting if the existing colors are extreme, then marketing them vacant for a month. Then, if they do not move in a month we up the ante by furnishing them. In Asheville, they usually sell or rent without furnishing.
But if the floor plan is not very, very straightforward, or if the house is medium to large, complete staging does enhance the marketing, help buyers understand, trust, and ask to see the house, and so help reduce DOM.
With occupied houses......well, so far there has only been one house where I very slightly rearranged a few rooms to tune things up a bit, and said go for it. Most occupied houses do benefit (sit on the market before, sell quickly after) from full-tilt-boogie staging.
With vacant houses, if they are in a popular location, are very clean, have a simple & straight forward floor plan, and are fairly small (under 1500 sf), I may suggest painting if the existing colors are extreme, then marketing them vacant for a month. Then, if they do not move in a month we up the ante by furnishing them. In Asheville, they usually sell or rent without furnishing.
But if the floor plan is not very, very straightforward, or if the house is medium to large, complete staging does enhance the marketing, help buyers understand, trust, and ask to see the house, and so help reduce DOM.
With occupied houses......well, so far there has only been one house where I very slightly rearranged a few rooms to tune things up a bit, and said go for it. Most occupied houses do benefit (sit on the market before, sell quickly after) from full-tilt-boogie staging.
- Steve Dykstra, "Steve Dykstra"
- Contributions:96
Having your home looking it's best is important. If someone looks at 10 homes they look for a home that stands out above the others. Go over the options with your agent and he or she should be able to let you know how many changes you should make. A good coat of paint will go along way.
- Stephanie McCarty, "snellvilleagent"
- Contributions:521
I think staging is essential these days. Clean is essential. I mean really clean. People who believe their home is going to sell by just opening the door and putting up a sign are kidding themselves. There is too much inventory and don't even bother coming into this market unless you are prepared to offer a stand out property.
- Susan Alvarez, "BoulderSuZ"
- Contributions:44
There are plenty of things a homeowner can do without taking the additional and needless step of hiring a home stager (or decorator).
I'm mainly addressing homeowners who may be on the verge of short selling their home or just don't have it in their budget. A lot of people are keeping their expenses to the minimum these days. However, if you do have money to invest in a home staging professional, by all means hire one of several that you might choose based on work they have done for others and a referral.
I agree with Stephanie. Cleanliness is essential. In fact, these days a home should shine. I read that price often brings people to look and it is staging is that sells.
Ask your agent for some ideas. They can recommend some quick touch-ups and identify things that can be done inexpensively.
I have seen some very good staging and very good decorating.
Homebuilders lavish expense on putting the very best presentation in their show homes. Home builders are hurting right now. That just means the competition is heating up.
I often suggest homeowners tour new homes to get ideas and a sense of what colors and schemes are in vogue. It just makes sense to know what the competition is doing. Trust me, the sales staff won't tackle you and force you to reveal your true intentions. I've been in model homes looking over the details when I have struck up conversations with folks who freely admit they're just there to take staging notes. Homebuilders really don't mind. I'll bet a few casual lookers have turned into buyers.
When should you consider hiring a home stager? After careful consideration. The objective is to get a buyer to fall in love with a home. So, sellers might want to tour an open house or a model home in a new community to see what they are up against.
Best,
SuZ
I'm mainly addressing homeowners who may be on the verge of short selling their home or just don't have it in their budget. A lot of people are keeping their expenses to the minimum these days. However, if you do have money to invest in a home staging professional, by all means hire one of several that you might choose based on work they have done for others and a referral.
I agree with Stephanie. Cleanliness is essential. In fact, these days a home should shine. I read that price often brings people to look and it is staging is that sells.
Ask your agent for some ideas. They can recommend some quick touch-ups and identify things that can be done inexpensively.
I have seen some very good staging and very good decorating.
Homebuilders lavish expense on putting the very best presentation in their show homes. Home builders are hurting right now. That just means the competition is heating up.
I often suggest homeowners tour new homes to get ideas and a sense of what colors and schemes are in vogue. It just makes sense to know what the competition is doing. Trust me, the sales staff won't tackle you and force you to reveal your true intentions. I've been in model homes looking over the details when I have struck up conversations with folks who freely admit they're just there to take staging notes. Homebuilders really don't mind. I'll bet a few casual lookers have turned into buyers.
When should you consider hiring a home stager? After careful consideration. The objective is to get a buyer to fall in love with a home. So, sellers might want to tour an open house or a model home in a new community to see what they are up against.
Best,
SuZ
- Wanda Plott, "Wanda Jo Plott"
- Contributions:5
I always recommend to my Sellers to hire a professional Stager. Those Sellers that understand the concept typically receive higher offers and sell in less time than other properties in their area.
In viewing Builder Model Homes, staging and marketing is key to their success. Therefore, I suggest all Homeowner's/Seller's follow their lead and get the most for their homes in the least amount of time.
- Susan Alvarez, "BoulderSuZ"
- Contributions:44
Hi Wanda,
In some cases, a pro is helpful.
I don't reflexively suggest hiring someone to do the staging. It can depend on the home and the market. A gorgeous home probably doesn't need to be staged. In fact, if the owner bought the model home in a community a few years ago, it is unnecessary. Some owners have done a wonderful job of decorating. Others have a good sense from touring open houses on how to stage. If they don't get it, I might take them to a well-staged home and show them that it has been de-cluttered and de-personalized. The rooms flow. Some of the rooms may have been given extra attention - maybe a plant or flowers placed strategically.
The staging I have seen has been done well. Higher end homes often are staged. A professional can be called in. I think it is situational. I usually have a read on the market and I know what the competition is doing.
These days, everyone is doing some staging. However, my opinion is if the home down the street that is for sale is not staged professionally, I'm not going to recommend a professional. If the seller asks, that's a different matter. For a home in an upscale neighborhood, I keep business cards handy for stagers that I recommend.
Best,
SuZ
In some cases, a pro is helpful.
I don't reflexively suggest hiring someone to do the staging. It can depend on the home and the market. A gorgeous home probably doesn't need to be staged. In fact, if the owner bought the model home in a community a few years ago, it is unnecessary. Some owners have done a wonderful job of decorating. Others have a good sense from touring open houses on how to stage. If they don't get it, I might take them to a well-staged home and show them that it has been de-cluttered and de-personalized. The rooms flow. Some of the rooms may have been given extra attention - maybe a plant or flowers placed strategically.
The staging I have seen has been done well. Higher end homes often are staged. A professional can be called in. I think it is situational. I usually have a read on the market and I know what the competition is doing.
These days, everyone is doing some staging. However, my opinion is if the home down the street that is for sale is not staged professionally, I'm not going to recommend a professional. If the seller asks, that's a different matter. For a home in an upscale neighborhood, I keep business cards handy for stagers that I recommend.
Best,
SuZ
- Lisa Brandenburg, "Lisa Brandenburg"
- Contributions:64
as a Realtor- I will tell you that the better a home looks- the more interested buyer will be and the more they will be willing to spend- check out the other homes for sale in your area and ask yourself which one YOU would buy (be honest!) what can you do to make your home the best on the block without spending a fortune? sometimes a really REALLY good cleaning, some fresh paint and some flowers out front can be enough- sometimes you have to take the next step- and that may be staging your home- Good luck!!
- Angie Boggeman, "angie boggeman"
- Contributions:469
There are definitely some homes that warrant staging. I do believe that it is not necessary with all homes. I am not a fan when the staging furniture does not fit the style of home and lifestyle. Sometimes I prefer to encourage a light staging, adding some color to the home especially if it has been recently neutralized.
- ConnieK_Oklahoma
- Contributions:2899
Great replies!
- Angela May, "Angela May"
- Contributions:7
I hire stagers for all of our sellers because it works! As we all know, it's a beauty contest out there now more than ever.
Taking the time to get clients excited about the results of staging can go a long way. I share a fun photo album of before and after pictures to help them visualize how their "sweat equity" can net them thousands more.
I also think it's important to hire professional stagers who have the talent to utilize belongings the seller already owns - no one wants an expensive shopping list added to their moving expenses.
In a nutshell, I'm a firm believer every homeowner who takes the time to stage wins, I've seen it proven contract after contract. So here's the big question; What does a seller who chooses not to stage have to lose? Answer; maybe $1000's!
- Angela May, "Angela May"
- Contributions:7
I hire stagers for all of our sellers because it works! As we all know, it's a beauty contest out there now more than ever.
Taking the time to get clients excited about the results of staging can go a long way. I share a fun photo album of before and after pictures to help them visualize how their "sweat equity" can net them thousands more.
I also think it's important to hire professional stagers who have the talent to utilize belongings the seller already owns - no one wants an expensive shopping list added to their moving expenses.
In a nutshell, I'm a firm believer every homeowner who takes the time to stage wins, I've seen it proven contract after contract. So here's the big question; What does a seller have to lose? Answer; maybe $1000's!
- Rob Rhodes, "Rob Prudential"
- Contributions:9
Yes! Definately stage! It will make the home feel warm and secure for the buyer. The buyer can also figure out if their furniture will fit in the same spaces.
Good luck!
Rob
Good luck!
Rob
- Anna Dovger, "AddValueHomeStaging"
- Contributions:5
It could be 2 reasons for poor staging. First- the house was staged by the owner after staging consultation. Basically you are looking at DIY project and he makes his own choices on what to do and how. Second there is no budget for staging and we have to work with what we have and make something out of nothing. If the owner is on the small budget I highly recommend hiring a stager who has his own staging inventory and can rent out his accessories to add WOW factor to the listing.
- Jill Banks, "Happily Better After"
- Contributions:35
If a house is competitively priced and professionally staged, it will sell faster than a comparable home that isn't staged. While there are some buyers out there who don't really care about the look of a home (investors or buyers who plan to gut the place anyway), price will be the dominant factor. But for buyers searching for a place that's move-in ready where they won't have to make any significant improvements or changes for the first year or so, staging can make a big difference.
- SteadyState
- Contributions:787
Staging is good only if the listing agent pays for the costs. Why? If the seller pays for staging they pay the mortgage as well as the monthly staging costs and will come under more pressure to sell at a price which may be lower than they desire (not always but the subtle pressure exists). If the listing agent pays, he/she has skin in the game and will push to sell your home else he/she foots next month's staging costs.
- Ann Atamian, "Ann Atamian"
- Contributions:77
I am a huge believer in staging! There was a house in the neighborhood , that was on the market for six months. Priced a little high. I retained the listing later. I hired a stager, and we did some major things, like paint, and some minor things, re-arrange furniture. I had tons of activity, and received and offer in 14 days. Every home I have staged has sold with in 3 weeks. Two things sell a home...price and condition! Staging can really help a home sell quickly and for the best price!
I say do it! Its worth it.
I say do it! Its worth it.
- Helen Edwards, "Helen Edwards"
- Contributions:478
Staging is Very Important either by a professional or the seller. Owners never think their homes are cluttered...just personalized. Suggesting to sellers they remove family pictures will bring a down turn smile on their faces. Suggesting to them that they are just planning ahead with packing for their sale is our suggestion. Serious sellers should not fret with this positive approach. By just leaving the important furniture so they have places to sit & sleep gives buyers ideas of how their furnishings will fit, adding flower arrangements and sweet smelling aromas they are making the home inviting and like a canvas waiting for the new owners to create their style. Empty homes show Ready to Sell sellers, but buyers question whether their belongings will fit. Yes, staging and simplifing is a good mode for everyone!
- Elena M. D'Agostino, "edagostino"
- Contributions:22
Most every home can benefit from some staging. I always offer to pay for the initial consult with a designer that I use. She has done wonders tweaking homes by rearranging of furniture, decluttering, embelishing with accents. The key is she works with the seller and incorporates their taste (to a degree) Since she is a professional Designer and not just a "stager' she creates an environment that the seller feels comfortable living in while their house is on the market and buyers are attracted to the more homey feeling then that of a staged, sometimes more sterile setting. I never recommend to sellers to remove family pictures (unless of course there are an over abundance of them). They add warmth and personality to a home which I feel is a positive not a negative.
- Elizabeth Mattei-Lajoie, "MatteiRealEstate"
- Contributions:1
In today's tech savvy world, most buyers begin their home search online. If you're photos aren't amazing, they'll just click right past your property. When listing a new home, it's important to consider how your home will look in those online photos. You may need to stage, but you also might be fine with decluttering and accessorizing the home's best features.
I always show my new clients before and after photos of homes that I've decluttered and homes I've staged. I take the photos from the same vantage point, and yet sometimes they don't even look like the same room. You need for your sellers to think like buyers and to see their home through a buyer's eyes.
I always show my new clients before and after photos of homes that I've decluttered and homes I've staged. I take the photos from the same vantage point, and yet sometimes they don't even look like the same room. You need for your sellers to think like buyers and to see their home through a buyer's eyes.
- ConnieK_Oklahoma
- Contributions:2899
I like the idea of the Realtor paying for the staging- I've seen some pass that cost onto the seller and while I don't like to spend money either...this does seem like a marketing cost.
- Susan Wahle, "SWahle"
- Contributions:13
I think staging is wise if you have too much furniture in the home, or are just not a decorator yourself. The tips are very helpful and really will help sell the house. If the house is already decluttered and decor is in good taste, I probably wouldn't.
- Jennifer Fivelsdal, "jmfive"
- Contributions:67
sStaging does work I have seen examples where the property was not selling but received offers right after getting it staged,
- John Cathey, "FortCollinsJCathey"
- Contributions:169
I believe that it is important to get rid of stuff, open the house up by turning on lights and opening window coverings, clean, clean and clean some more. Buyers want to fall in love with a home and many homes that I see on the market today do the opposite. Rearranging furniture to utilize the floor space or traffic flow diffently helps..
- Charlottesville Real Estate, "Charles McDonald"
- Contributions:230
only when a home that is vacant and has not sold
- Staged4u
- Contributions:8
Definitely a great way to sell. But keep in mind, there is a difference between staging and interior designing.
Homes get between 6-17% higher offers if they are staged.
Homes get between 6-17% higher offers if they are staged.
- Rachel Case, "rachelcase"
- Contributions:409
Staging your home is very important in a tough market. If you want top dollar for your home you need to stand out above the crowd! Staging a home does not always mean renting thousands of dollars worth of furniture! Sometimes it is sprucing up the property and adding some small touches!
Staging...to do or not to do??
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- 4.9/5.0
- (5 reviews)
Contributions:2899without promoting yourselves...Please provide honest feedback on when you've seen a measurable impact of staging or have not seen such. My thoughts are staging is somewhat situational- but I bet there are those that disagree...share your thoughts/experiences.
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