Well, I can start with the statistics. According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 profile of home staging report, over 95% of Buyer’s agents say that home staging has at least some effect on the buyer’s view of the home. The report also reflects an increase in sales price and a faster sale correlated with staging of a home. It seems to make sense, right?
A professional stager brings perfectly placed, trendy furniture into a vacant home to define each space. They choose appealing accessories, pop color with throw pillows and area rugs, and of course the ubiquitous bowl of bright yellow lemons in the kitchen. It all comes together to create just the right vision in a Buyer’s eyes. I have been on upwards of a 100 home tours, and although I am not a Realtor® or trained designer, I do know that a staged home, has a certain “wow-factor” over a vacant home. To a typical buyer, defining spaces, furniture placement, and the like, can be a huge challenge in a vacant property. Staging provides visual stimulation for the buyer that “revs up” their emotions. Suddenly they can picture themselves living in the home!
Lauren Ellington – Realtor
There are always exceptions to the rules. I recently was on a home tour, and during the Realtor® feedback session, there was a strong recommendation to stage a new built home that was on the tour. This newly constructed home had stunning architectural accents, beautiful flooring, plus typically unseen fine finishes. However, another Realtor® advised to the contrary, stating that all of the extra touches would have gone unnoticed if it was staged. After back and forth debate, ultimately the rest of the agents agreed. No staging needed on this lucky listing!
Nicole Wolf – Green Street Communities
Depending on the part of the country you reside, selling your home is competitive. Staging can pack a powerful punch of pizazz to your listing, to gain that slight edge needed to get the home sold.