What is Home Staging?
It is a service that is now widely considered a necessity rather than an option for property sellers and realtors who want a competitive edge. Staging has become a very common practice in many major cities and the concept and successes of staging properties is rapidly increasing.
Why It’s So Important to Stage a Vacant Home.
Vacant properties can be the most difficult type of property to sell for the simple reason that they are a blank canvas. They have no real discernable features that help potential buyers visualize themselves in this home. Without furniture, it can be incredibly difficult to tell the scale and size of the rooms. Our goal is to illustrate the way a potential buyer could live in the home.
Statistics how 80% of buyers are previewing homes on the internet. Properly staged homes have a distinct advantage as they look great in photos and on virtual tours!
There is increasing inventory of vacant properties. It’s more important now than ever to outshine the local competition. We want to get your property onto a potential buyer's short list.
When a property is empty, buyers tend to focus on negative details. Staging capitalizes on the positive features of the home and offers solutions to challenging features.
Most importantly, people don’t buy houses, they buy homes. The number one reason a buyer purchases a home is because it "felt like home". A staged property is warm and inviting, giving the buyer a more emotional connection.
FAQ
Well, it depends on a number of variables like the size of the home, the number of rooms to be staged, and the amount of inventory needed to give your property the “WOW” effect to potential buyers. In order to accurately price your staging, we will tour your home and prepare a written proposal at no cost to you.
Q: Where is the value in having my property staged?
A beautifully furnished property will set itself apart from other properties your buyers will see. A staged property not only illustrates furniture scale and layout but also conveys warmth and a feeling that the buyer could make this home their own. Don’t let your buyers leave wondering whether or not yours is the home for them. Show them.
Q: Is there a contract minimum?
No, you will be charged the first month’s fees which include the installation, the first months’ rental and the extraction fees. This initial charge will not be pro-rated. If subsequent months are needed, they can be pro-rated in half-months with a two week notice. Our job is to expedite the sale of your property.
Q: Do you use rental furniture?
No, our inventory is our own. The furniture and accessories that will be used are personally selected by our designer to suit the style and needs of your property. The style of the furnishings must match the style of the home. No loft furniture in a Tuscan Villa.
Q: How much of the home will be staged?
Each home is different. But generally speaking, the high impact areas get the attention. Typically those are the areas that are first seen upon entering the home. Statistically, you have 5 seconds to attract the buyer upon entrance. Once they see warm and attractive décor, they will want to see more. Our designer will make these important distinctions during the initial walk-through. At that time, it is important to know any previous objections buyers have mentioned so they can be addressed.
Q: What makes staging worth it?
Statistically, a US Housing and Urban Development report shows that staged homes sell at a 17% higher rate than non-staged homes. Staged homes are also on the market for fewer days which equates to savings for the seller. Another important factor is that you are more likely to re-coup any pre-sale improvement costs you have put into the property.
Q: Can I pick my own furniture?
No, but rest assured that the furnishings and accessories selected have been done so with the style of your property in mind. Feel free to ask for locations of other staged properties that we have recently installed.
Q: Are the furnishings and accessories for sale?
Not typically. Our goal is to help expedite the sale of your property. Period. But, if selling the furniture and accessories with the home helps secure the negotiation, we are willing to participate.
Q: How quickly can you install?
Once we have a signed contract and the first payment, your installation will be scheduled into the next available opening.
Do you provide exterior staging?
No. We have found that exterior staging requires more maintenance than interior. Someone would have to be available to keep the furnishings clean and dusted and that, typically, is not possible.
