Often times I’m asked as a broker whether staging is worth it-will it “really help”? The answer is a resounding YES! I think the idea scares some homeowners because they have a perception that it’s an all or nothing proposition.
Staging comes in many forms & levels. The vision that you are creating for a prospective buyer is what’s important and that can be done at various levels costing you little out of pocket or it can be achieved in a minimal way with some sweat equity, organization skills & some paint-Ah, paint the BEST & most cost effective way to transform a bland area into “wow” or neutralize a “unique” area which only you may find appealing.
Making the wrong choices when staging and deciding how to maximize your dollars are the most frequent hurdles for sellers when trying to execute changes without the help of someone with the expertise of depth, perception & vision. To find a broker who also has a background in staging is not only a challenge but can be an incredibly valuable resource when selling your home. But don’t be fooled…most agents have little to no experience with staging homes and it may require that you hire a professional. Either way, the investment will likely pay high dividends in the form of a higher sales price.
We know that more buyers than care to admit have difficulty envisioning a space on their own. As a seller you may think, “I need all new cabinet doors in the kitchen” when spending there isn’t what the buyer will see or appreciate. What if you put in those expensive hand carved cabinet doors and the majority of buyers don’t like them? It is always best to ask an objective professional who really understands what the buying public seeks and who also knows which changes to make to save you money and maximize the curb appeal of your home.
Remember, buyers look at your home through a different pair of glasses than you. An experienced stager has access to the buyer’s “glasses.” If you still don’t believe me, check out this graphic from StagedHomes.com:
ASP® Home Staging Statistics
Please check back next week for Maura Jarach’s first installment of “Dear Maura” which will address the emotional and psychological elements involved in the buying and selling of real estate.
Maura, as a professional home stager, your article is right on! You are right, it is not all or nothing. For occupied homes, a home seller can hire a home stager to do a staging consultation for as little as a few hundred dollars. The stager will tell the homeowner everything that needs to be done to make their home appealing to the target buyer. Some homeowners do it all themselves, some hire the stager to implement all of the suggestions, and others share doing the suggestions with the stager.
As you said, some things cost nothing – decluttering, depersonalizing, cleaning. Others are low cost but have a big impact – painting, changing out lighting fixtures, door knobs, cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures to be more updated.
EVERY OCCUPIED HOME should have the benefit of a home staging consultation before being put on the market.
Dear Maura,
My husband and I recently decided to hire an agent to help us sell our 2BR on the UWS and I was shocked by the “unsolicited advice” that all 3 agents offered when they visited. Why do real estate agents feel that it is ok to suggest remodeling my home and spending my money when all i’m asking is for help selling. I find this a huge turn off.
Pingback: Dear Maura: When a seller receives “unsolicited advice” | | True Gotham - New York City and Hamptons Real EstateTrue Gotham – New York City and Hamptons Real Estate