Staging a home is not new. We’ve done it for years and it can really help sell a home, as well as, garner a higher asking price. But do you need to use a professional? Here are some simple answers to these and other questions on staging.

What is staging?

Home staging is the furnishing and prepping of a vacant or occupied home that’s for sale on the real estate market. It is furnishing a home with a layout conducive to normal, everyday living in an upscale and professional manner.

How important is staging when selling a home?

Experts agree that staging a home can increase the home’s selling price and the likelihood that it will sell faster as potential buyers can easily see themselves in the home, regardless of the condition of furnishings.

Do Realtors hire home stagers?

For many high-end listings, real estate experts will hire their own stagers or have home staging professionals as referrals. Most luxury Realtors will have their own home staging professionals that they recommend to help stage and set up the home to maximize the sale.

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How much does a professional stager cost?

Home staging is really all over the board when it comes to fees. Home staging can cost as little as $200 or as high as $1000 and it depends on if you’ll be renting the furnishings or using your own. Stagers can do a variety of both depending on the materials and items available.

Does the home have to be vacant?

No. We can stage with your existing furnishings or bring in some pieces of our own and mix-and-match. Buyers understand that the furnishings typically do not convey with the property and will need to make sure that we understand which furnishings are the homeowners and which are the stagers. However, when staging a vacant home, all furnishings need to be brought in and it may be more expensive.

What is soft staging?

Staging is similar to traditional home staging but without the furniture. This is where stagers will bring in accessories and artwork to complement existing furnishings or to make the home feel warmer and more inviting.

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Should I hire a professional stager when selling my home?

There are a variety of reasons why using a professional stager will definitely help. Of course, you can sell the home yourself with some simple DIY and HDTV tips and tricks but having a professional stager, even for consultation, can really boost the rate of return on your home sale. Here are some reasons you should consider hiring a professional stager when selling your home.

#1. Your home will likely sell faster.

Nearly every survey conducted states that the longer the home is on the market the lower the price. Homes that stay on the market for over 20 weeks can sell for an average of 7% less than the originally listed price. Selling a home faster means more profit in your pocket.

#2. Many homebuyers cannot visualize the potential of a home.

Vacant homes tend to take longer to sell and sell for less. Buyers realistically understand that the furnishings don’t convey with the house but by seeing the layout and how furnishings would fit in the room, makes buyers envision themselves in the home, selling the home faster.

#3. You’ll make more on the profit.

The average cost of staging a home is less than 1% of the homes asking price but it can offer up to 10% in return when you sell. Why wouldn’t you stage the home?

#4. Online listing photos will stand out from the crowd.

Nearly 90% of home buyers start their search online so those initial photos need to be amazing. Staging a home and then taking professional photos will boost not only the showings, but potential offers as well.

#5. Selling as-is only helps the competition.

The term “as is” is a recipe for disaster when it comes to selling. You may not want to do anything to the home but unless you’re willing to walk away with less than a full asking price, staging is essential.

I’ve helped hundreds of people throughout Los Angeles County and Pacific Palisades as well as Santa Monica and surrounding communities sell their home for above-asking price simply due to professional staging and photographs. When you’re ready to list your home, contact my office. Will discuss options as far as home staging, how much your home could be worse with professional staging, and how quickly it could sell.

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