Selling your home can be overwhelming. From dealing with lawyers and real estate agents to cleaning, packing and moving – do you really need more on your plate? You might think staging your home is not a necessary step during this busy time. Besides, does it even work?
Staging your home may be easier, cheaper and more beneficial than you think. Here’s a list of the top 7 home staging myths and why you may want to consider adding it to your to do list.
Myth 1: Home staging is too expensive.
When selling your home, your focus should be on return on investment. Since your home is an important part of your current assets, you want to sell it for as much as the market will allow. Often, a small investment is all that is needed in order to increase the value of your home.
Home Staging typically costs from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of a home’s asking price. Studies show that homes that have been staged sell faster and for more money than those that haven’t.
Myth 2: Staging only makes sense for a vacant property.
Staging is important for vacant properties as it helps would-be buyers see the home’s potential. However, this also applies to occupied homes. Whether empty or full, the majority of buyers have difficulty envisioning how a room can be set up to suit their needs. By making the space more welcoming and streamlined, your property will appeal to a larger amount of potential buyers.
Myth 3: I watch HGTV – I can do the staging myself.
That one is my favorite! Even properties in home shows need a third party to give them an objective assessment of what needs to be done. You know your own taste and style, but what appeals to the greatest number of buyers? A professional home stager’s focus is on maximizing a home’s space, light, flow, design and best features, not on decorating your space. Besides, home staging requires an emotional detachment. Even I would hire someone for my home because when it comes to my home I can’t see clearly.
Myth 4: I’ll list my property and consider home staging if it doesn’t sell.
This is one of the most common home staging myths. A first impression is often the only one that counts. Potential buyers don’t return to a property once they have crossed it off their list. In order not to miss out on a sale, it’s important to show your home in its best possible condition from the start. The longer a house is on the market, the less it will sell for. By knowing in advance what buyers in your target market are looking for, you can ensure your home meets and exceeds their expectations.
Myth 5: Staging is just the latest real estate trend.
Staging has been around for 40 years. Although it has only more recently been featured on television. Today, more agents are including staging as part of their marketing mix. Showing buyers that your home offers good value is always in style.
Myth 6: It’s not worth staging smaller or less expensive homes.
Whether big or small, it’s to your advantage to get top price for your home. Staging a smaller home shows potential buyers how to maximize the space, confirming it meet their needs. Buyers want to feel like they’ve bought the best they can afford. Staging your home can make it more attractive than other properties in the same price range.
Myth 7: Buyers can see past all my stuff.
Most buyers have difficulty looking past what’s right in front of them. If you’ve ever been to an Open House, you’ve likely overheard comments like “What a terrible paint color!” or even “What an ugly couch!”. In order to best showcase your home, decluttering, removing personal taste and introducing a clean, simple design are key. Instead of making buyers use their imagination, show them your home is beautiful and well cared for.
I hope that I have helped to shed light to home staging myths. And please contact Sandra Best Décor if you need assistance in preparing for your property sale.
