The adage, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” is true in many aspects of life, but it’s truly an imperative in real estate. And it’s the reason professional home staging is the key to a fast and profitable sale. Many people associate home staging with vacant properties, when in reality it is crucial when listing occupied homes.
Why? Because when prospective buyers step into a home, they’re not just assessing its physical attributes; they’re envisioning their future life within those walls. According to the National Association of REALTORS© (NAR), 77 percent of buyers say it’s easier to visualize a staged property as a future home.
Setting the Stage for Success
Staging is not just about decluttering and rearranging furniture; it’s about creating an emotional connection between the buyer and the property. Occupied homes often come with personal belongings, unique and sometimes dated décor and individual tastes that may not align with the preferences of potential buyers. By depersonalizing, neutralizing, and strategically arranging the space, stagers create a setting that allows buyers to see themselves living in the home, making it easier to imagine their future there.
Maximizing Space and Highlighting Features
It’s important to remember that how you LIVE in a home is very different than how you SELL a home.
Spaciousness Sells
Occupied homes can sometimes feel cramped or cluttered, which can be a deterrent to potential buyers. Staging helps maximize space by rearranging furniture to create flow and highlight the home’s best features. Whether it’s showcasing a cozy reading nook, a spacious kitchen island, or a breathtaking view, staging draws attention to the elements that make the property stand out (and can also draw the eye away from any visual defects).
Neutral Décor For Broader Appeal
Personalized décor, bold color choices, or niche or kitschy themes may appeal to the current occupants but can alienate potential buyers. Staging aims to neutralize the space, creating an environment that appeals to a broader audience. Neutral tones, tasteful accessories, and minimalist styling allow buyers to envision their personal design preferences while still appreciating the home’s potential. Replacing any dated furnishings and décor with more “of the moment” choices elevates and freshens the look and feel while allowing the homeowner to continue to occupy the home during showing.
This home had great bones but the bold colors could be polarizing to potential buyers. Because the homeowners were occupying the house during listing, painting wasn’t an option. We chose, instead, to create a more cohesive look by bringing the teal colors into accessories and provide neutral colors where possible. (photo)
Enhanced Online Listings to Attract More Buyers
In today’s digital age, the majority of homebuyers begin their search online. Professionally staged photos can significantly affect how a property is perceived online. Eye-catching images of a staged, inviting home can attract more views and generate greater interest among potential buyers. Furthermore, staged homes tend to photograph better, resulting in higher-quality images that showcase the property in its best light.
Quicker Sales and Increased Profitability
One of the most significant advantages of staging occupied homes is the potential for quicker sales and increased profitability. According to Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), professionally staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged properties. Additionally, the Home Staging Resource Association (HSRA) states that staged homes sell for an average of 6% more than non-staged homes. That means the cost of staging is likely LESS than your first price reduction.
Setting the Stage for a Fast, Profitable Sale
Staging occupied homes is not just about making cosmetic changes; it’s about transforming the space to appeal to a broad audience and create an emotional connection with potential buyers.
By depersonalizing, decluttering, and strategically arranging the home, sellers can significantly enhance its marketability and increase the likelihood of a quick and profitable sale. In today’s competitive real estate market, staging is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for sellers looking to stand out and achieve optimal results.
Listing your home? Before you call an agent…call us!
