The concept of home staging revolves around preparing a home for success in the real estate marketplace. The goal is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Staging techniques focus on improving a home's appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive space with plenty of allure.
The significance of home staging
Home staging can significantly impact how prospective buyers view a property. According to the
National Association of Realtors, the majority of buyers' agents noted that home staging influences most buyers' perspectives of a property and allows them to envision their own lives within a space. Home staging creates an ideal environment that allows potential buyers to see a home as their own, thereby fostering a connection that can lead to a sale.
Home staging choices
When deciding how to stage a home, sellers have several options. They can stage the home themselves, hire a professional home stager for the task, or seek assistance from their real estate agent. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on the seller's budget, time, and skills.
Is DIY home staging feasible?
Absolutely! With a bit of time, creativity, and effort, sellers can stage their homes themselves. This guide is designed to provide helpful DIY home staging tips to transform your home and make it stand out to potential buyers. So, if you’re ready to stage your home to sell, read on!
The role of real estate agents in home staging
If you’re teamed up with an expert agent, you’re in luck! Real estate agents often play an instrumental role in the home staging process. Their market knowledge, combined with their understanding of what buyers are looking for, can provide invaluable guidance for home staging. However, while some real estate agents may offer basic staging advice or assistance, they usually focus more on marketing the property and negotiating the sale.
The work of professional home stagers
Professional home stagers are trained experts in planning and selecting elements that make homes more attractive and inviting. Their tasks might include anything from minor updates, like rearranging furniture and decor, to comprehensive overhauls involving paint, furniture rental, and more. A professional stager visualizes the potential of your space and creates an environment that appeals to as many potential buyers as possible.
Home staging expenses
The cost of home staging varies depending on the size of the home, the number of rooms to be staged, and whether professional staging or DIY techniques are used. In 2019, the average amount spent on home staging was $400, according to the
National Association of Realtors.
Is the cost of home staging justified?
For many sellers, home staging is a strategic investment that can result in a quicker sale and a higher selling price.
Typically, professionally staged homes spend less time on the market and sell for higher prices than their unstaged counterparts. Therefore, the benefits of home staging generally outweigh the cost.
Budget-friendly home staging techniques
Staging a home doesn't necessarily mean a major overhaul. Sometimes, a few strategic tweaks and adjustments can make a significant difference. Sellers can stage their homes on a budget by decluttering, cleaning, rearranging furniture, and making minor repairs and improvements.
Staging a home for photographs
When staging a home for your listing images, pay attention to the little details. Clear away clutter, ensure each room is well-lit, and use high-quality images to showcase your home. Remember, most buyers will first see your home online, and first impressions truly matter. Working with an expert real estate photographer is a great way to ensure you have compelling listing images that capture buyers’ attention.
DIY home staging tips
Removing excess items
One of the first steps in the home staging process is decluttering. Remove excess items to create a more spacious, inviting environment that allows buyers to imagine their own belongings within the space.
Thorough cleaning
Cleaning each room and surface can dramatically improve the appeal of your home. Pay close attention to often-overlooked areas like windows, corners, and appliances. Don’t forget to dust the top of the ceiling fan!
Fixing minor issues
Address any small issues, such as chipped paint, loose handles, or squeaky doors, before potential buyers make a visit. These minor (but still important) repairs can make a big difference in the perception of your home.
Creating a neutral space
Depersonalizing your home is another crucial step in home staging. Remove family photos, memorabilia, and quirky decor to allow buyers to visualize themselves in the space rather than being reminded that it belongs to someone else.
Opting for neutral hues
Neutral colors are universally appealing and make a home feel brighter, cleaner, and more spacious. Consider repainting rooms with bold colors to a more neutral palette.
Emphasizing natural light
Natural light can make a room feel more spacious, warm, and welcoming. Open the curtains and blinds to let the light stream in, and ensure that your windows are sparkling clean. This is a truly essential step in staging your home to sell.
Furniture placement
The arrangement of furniture can impact how spacious a room feels and how each room meshes with the next. Try pulling furniture away from the walls and creating cozy, functional groupings to improve flow.
Defining each room
Ensure that each room has a clear purpose and function in its layout and design. This helps potential buyers visualize how they could use the space.
Enhancing curb appeal
First impressions count, and that starts at the curb. Improvements like fresh paint, updated landscaping, and a welcoming front door can significantly enhance curb appeal and set a tone of luxury from the get-go.
Pitfalls to avoid when staging a home
Avoid overly bold design choices, and keep decor neutral and appealing to a wide range of tastes. Also, avoid over-staging or creating spaces that feel too contrived or impersonal. For example, setting the table can create a welcoming scene and help buyers imagine entertaining in the space. However, it should be done tastefully to avoid looking too staged.
Common queries about home staging
What happens to furniture after staging?
After staging and selling the home, the furniture used for staging, if rented or brought in by a professional stager, is typically removed. If the seller's furniture was used, of course, it moves with the seller.
What is the difference between home staging and interior design?
While both involve creating aesthetically pleasing spaces, home staging is specifically geared toward selling a home by making it appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Interior design, on the other hand, is about creating a space that fits the homeowner's personal style and needs.
Team up with Anita Mora
With over a decade of real estate experience backing her,
Anita Mora brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients. If you're hoping to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Rio Rancho real estate market, contact
Anita Mora today for expert guidance.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
