‘Should you stage your house?’ is a question we get a lot when we first meet with sellers. And our answer is always: YES. Staging has become the gold standard in residential home selling. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top reasons why sellers should stage their homes, along with a real life client success story.
Faster Sales
One of the most significant benefits of home staging is that it can lead to faster sales. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes tend to sell 73% faster than their non-staged counterparts. We always tell our sellers, show your home at it’s best. The first week that your home comes on the market is the most important, and make sure every room shines before you list it!
Below is a home we listed and sold near Martha Lake in Lynnwood, Washington – before and after staging. The home was on the market for ONE DAY and sold for 11% over asking price. A comparable home in the neighborhood that was not listed, sat on the market for a month before accepting an offer below asking price.
Higher Selling Price
Data from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) indicates that staged homes can sell for up to 10% more than similar non-staged properties. By investing in staging, sellers can potentially recoup their staging costs and then some. A higher selling price means more money in your pocket, making the initial staging investment well worth it.
We’ve seen this time and time again with our sellers. Check out our Sell page to see more before and after photos of homes we’ve listed – before they went on the market and after (with professional staging.) Below is another before and after of our Lynnwood, Washington listing that went under contract in 1 day. It sold for $125,000 over asking price with competing offers.
Enhanced Online Presence
In today’s digital age, the majority of homebuyers begin their search online. Professional staging can make a property look its best in listing photos and virtual tours. This can lead to more showings and increased interest in your property.
Emotional Connection
Home staging isn’t just about making a home look pretty; it’s about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. Well-staged homes allow buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Staging helps them see the potential and possibilities, making it easier for them to picture themselves in your home.
Often we list homes that have an extra room or an ambiguous space – a stager can turn it into a lovely craft room, a yoga space, or a teen hangout. Who is the buyer? That is who we’re creating spaces for!
Highlighting Key Features
Professional stagers are experts at highlighting a home’s best features and minimizing its flaws. They know how to arrange furniture, decor, and lighting to draw attention to architectural details, open spaces, and unique selling points. This ensures that your property is presented in the best possible light.
This stunning historical home in Seattle, Washington had beautiful, detailed bones. The staging absolutely enhanced and showcased the unique features.
Neutralizing Personalization
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a property, and this can be challenging when a home is heavily personalized with the seller’s taste and decor. Staging creates a neutral, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of potential buyers.
Competitive Advantage
Home staging gives your property a competitive advantage in the market. When buyers compare a staged home to a non-staged one, the difference is often striking. Staged homes tend to make a stronger first impression, which can lead to more offers and a quicker sale.
In real estate, home staging has become an essential tool for sellers looking to maximize their selling price and minimize their time on the market. Nearly every home we list benefits from staging. There are only a few rare circumstances when we don’t suggest it. If you’re considering selling your home, don’t underestimate the power of professional home staging – it might just be the key to a faster sale and a higher selling price.
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