Is staging worth the cost when selling a house?
Scenario: You’ve decided to put your house on the market. You get a few RE Agents into your home to give you an evaluation. They tell you to “de-clutter, clean and make things neutral” Are you confused as to what to do? Or do you give it a try and not receive the results that you expected? It is important when selling to:
1. Look at your house objectively
2. Your house has assets that need to be highlighted the best that they can
3. You cleaned, de-cluttered, and are looking neutral BUT does your home convey value to a buyer?
4. Your personal (ahem) decorating style may not be as appealing to many buyers as you think
So you say “so what” I’m not spending money on the cost of staging to have someone tell me what I need to do.
“So what,” the small cost of staging your house may cause your property to be passed over for homes that present better. If the house is not desirable to buyers, it will linger on the market longer. The longer a house is on the market the more likely it will be reduced in price. The reduction in price will be higher than the cost of a staging consultation. Then there are the carrying costs that continue like mortgage, taxes, heating/cooling, electricity…these all add up as additional costs. Unfortunately, instead of protecting the equity in your house, you are now losing that equity.
I ask my clients if these cupcakes cost the same, which is more desirable and would be the better value?
You guessed it, the frosted cupcake. Why?
Think about when you put your home on the market, why a buyer would want your home over the others in your area. When buyers are looking for a house which one will they select?
Buyers love a house that is polished and conveys an updated lifestyle. them. They want to see the value in the property plus a beautiful presentation. Properties that do not present well will be passed up and linger on the market longer.
Why hire a professional stager? Why hire a lawyer, a contractor, seek the advice of a tax adviser? Because they know how to do the job, save you time, save you money due to having extensive knowledge in the area they are professionals in.
You know if you hire a professional the job will be done right saving yourself frustration and aggravation that in the long run is worth every penny. A professional stager brings value to the home. They suggest upgrades that are desirable to buyers that will bring the seller a return on the investment. A professional stager protects the equity in a home. The house will be merchandised to impress savvy buyers for the market that the house is in. Professional staging creates a polished look that makes a home stand out online and in the marketplace, it creates an emotional connection for buyers to want to take a further look.
So why hire a professional to stage your house to sell, because you want it to sell, and sell faster than the competition. Is that worth the cost of hiring a Professional Stager?
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