Put these staging strategies to work to get top dollar for your home.
When it’s time to sell your home, you’ll want to do more than just spiff up the surface and keep clutter to a minimum. You’ll need a staging strategy that puts potential buyers in the mood to buy.
The Impact of Home Staging
Is staging really that important? You bet. According to the National Association of Realtors®, 96 percent of buyers’ agents say staging affects buyers’ decisions to buy a home. Here are the top ways buyers are affected by staging:
- 81% find it easier to envision themselves in the home
- 46% will do a walk-through of a home they viewed online
- 45% react positively to a home’s value if it’s decorated to buyers’ tastes
- 28% are willing to overlook other faults when a home is staged well
Which Rooms Do You Need to Stage?
If you want to stage your home, these are the most important rooms to consider, according to the National Association of Realtors.
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Master bedroom
- Dining room
- Bathroom
- Children’s bedrooms
- Guest bedrooms
Why? Real estate agents say buyers are willing to offer more money for a staged home compared with a similar home that isn’t staged, and who doesn’t want to make more money? If you aren’t confident you can stage your home, consider hiring a professional stager. It’s an investment that may pay off in a big way.
What Is a Seller to Do?
It turns out that a few simple staging steps from HGTV can help seal the deal for potential buyers.
- Get Your Curb Appeal On
Grab them at hello with an appealing exterior. It’s your first chance to make a positive impression, so make it count. Add potted plants or flowers, weed walkways and gardens, power wash the patio, and mow the lawn. - Make It Shine
The cheapest, most effective staging tactic is a clean, decluttered interior. Seriously deep clean everything and open the window coverings to let the sun shine in. - Color It Bright (Not Garish)
Pay attention to color and light. Let in as much light as you can from outside and use artificial light as well to brighten up your home. Accessorize with neutral (not flashy) colors to help make rooms appear larger and reflect the natural light. - Remove Personal Artifacts
Get rid of the clutter–excessive personal items, electronics and collectibles. Help buyers envision themselves in the home. - Replace Worn Furnishings
Worn and outdated furnishings can distract buyers from the reason they’re there. Consider renting furniture to help you set the right mood. - Hang Fresh Artwork
Fresh and contemporary artwork can add a breath of fresh air and a bit of color. - Make Repairs
If it squeaks, is broken or looks neglected, fix it. Seeing a home in disrepair is a huge turn-off. - Paint
Such a simple step, such big rewards. Refresh dull, dated rooms with appealing, neutral colors for a positive effect. - Finish the Floors
Replacing worn carpet or refinishing hardwood floors is sure to jazz up a home’s appeal. - Spring for New Light Fixtures
Replace old, tacky light fixtures, as well as switches and door hardware.
Return on Staging Investments
Does staging pay off? You be the judge, based on these averages for return on investment from the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.
- Cleaning and decluttering: 1,577%
- Lightening and brightening (artificial/natural light): 1,577%
- Carpeting: 736%
- Update electrical and plumbing: 525%
- Flooring: 100%
Looking to sell your home? Do you have questions? Our agents at Red Robin REALTORS ® can help you with a market analysis and answer your questions about preparing and staging your home for selling in today’s market. Contact us today!
