In my blog titled "Is it Worth Staging a $129K Home?" there were a couple of comments that inspired me to create this new post, Selling Staging to the Homeowner.
For many, it was an eye-opener in that: 1) it confirmed that a home, regardless of the price point is worth staging and 2) it proved that staging isn't as costly as one may think (the staging fee for this home, $600.00. The results, home sold in 3 weeks)
Here's another set of before and after pictures of the same home, different room:
After:
What is Staging? The difference between interior decorating and home staging:
- Interior decorating is decorating with an understanding of the likes and dislikes of the homeowner. Based on a series of questions asked, the decor will center around their personal preferences.
- Home Staging, often referred to as Real Estate Staging or "staging" focuses on the broad base of prospective buyers that will be visiting the home. The objective with staging is to showcase the features of the home as well as the space.
For example - Take a look at the above picture. Did you notice that the fireplace is hidden with the placement of the couch? Now look at the after picture. The fireplace is a feature of the home and is now highlighted.
What are the benefits of staging?
- A staged home feels better and looks better
- In a market flooded with homes, a home that has been staged will help it to stand apart from the others on the market.
- With great "after" pictures, you attract more buyers to visit the home
Is it worth staging? As Caleb Mardini pointed out in his response to my first blog on this subject; "even small changes can make a big impact." Many homeowners may be of the belief that they need expensive furniture and accessories to showcase their home. The truth of the matter is that minor changes can have big rewards.
Overcoming Objections:
Expense- It's not as expensive as you may think. Contact a home stager in your area to ascertain fees.
The "I can stage it on my own" - Unless you have experience on the placement of furniture and accessories so that it further showcases the home, this is best left to a professional who understands completely how to do it.
When to Stage? The best time to have a home staged is before it is listed. Why? Because we take advantage of the momentum generated with a newly listed home. Is it too late to stage if the home is already listed? The answer is no. A home can reap big reward with staging regardless of how long its' been on the market.
I hope you find the above valuable.
Kathy
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Real Estate Staging Association Finalist for Professional Stager of the Year 2010, Kathy Nielsen understands what it takes to help sell homes quickly. Considered an expert within the home staging industry, and having years of experience, Kathy makes the perfect choice for preparing your home for the market in the Atlanta area.
Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
