Frequently asked questions
What is home staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by highlighting its best features and creating an environment that resonates with the target buyer.
How does home staging work?
Staged homes spend an average of 73% less time on the market and buyers are willing to spend 1% to 5% more of the dollar value on a staged home than a non-staged home. In a highly competitive market, home staging is one of the best marketing strategies available.
Is home staging only for vacant or luxury homes?
Home staging is for all homes, occupied or vacant, and in every price point and condition. Our 2-hour home staging consultation can benefit every home to increase the buyer appeal and perceived value. This small investment can make a big difference on your return by selling the home faster and quite often for more money.
How much does home staging cost?
Hiring a professional home stager can fit into everyone’s budget, as we offer a variety of services to fit a variety of needs, from a 2 hour consultation to white glove luxury staging. Keep in mind that the investment you make will come back to you when the home sells faster and for top dollar. For more information on the services available, see our Services page.
My home is decorated and organized, do I need to stage it?
Yes! Decorating is different than staging. It is a marketing and merchandising technique. Even the most beautifully decorated and organized homes can benefit because what makes a home appealing while it’s on the market, is different from what makes it appealing while someone is living in it. Empty homes benefit from it too, because staging helps buyers visualize living in the space and how their furniture and belongings will fit.
Do I have to buy all new furnishings to stage my home?
We try to work with what a homeowner already has as much as possible, but also offer high quality furniture rentals if these are required to achieve the best results. Through our consultation, we may also suggest purchasing some accessories and soft goods to ensure that we are appealing to your ideal buyers and demographic. No time or interest in shopping? We can do that for you as well!
Will I need to put things in storage to stage my home?
Usually, home staging incorporates a homeowner’s existing furniture and décor. If there are any items that do need to be removed, however, we recommend storing them in a storage unit or at a friend or family member’s home until you’re ready to move.
Should I list first and see if it sells right away then stage if it doesn’t?
In real estate, you only get one chance to make a first impression. When your home is first listed, you want to be sure that it is ready to show at its best, both in pictures and for showings. The longer a home is on the market, the less desirable it becomes. The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) Home Staging National Statistics Report finds that homes that are staged before listing, rather than after listing, spend 90% less time on the market.
My real estate agent says they can do the staging, so why do I need to hire someone else?
If your real estate agent is a qualified home stager that includes this service as a part of their fees, there may not be a need to hire an outside stager. However, your realtor is busy listing and marketing your home, which is why most agents choose to work with a trained Home Stager, in order to allow each professional to focus on their areas of expertise.
In most cases, the realtor is not a trained professional home stager. They may suggest decluttering and some updates but they will not provide the same level of service and expertise that a professional home stager can.
It is always faster and more effective to hire the right professional for the job.
What should I look for when selecting a home stager?
To make sure you hire a professional home stager that will deliver the best experience for you, do your research. Search for your local stagers, view their portfolios and reviews and interview them before making a final decision. Most home stagers offer similar pricing, and you should never base your decision on price. Some other considerations when looking for a home stager:
- Are they fully insured?
- What training have they received? Do they continue to update their skills to stay current with trends and techniques for marketing your home?
- Are they affiliated with a trade association, such as the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)?
- How long have they been in business?
- What experience do they have in similar homes to yours?
If we meet your needs, we would be happy to work with you. Contact us today!
How do I get started?
Contact us today so we can discuss your needs and set up appropriate next steps!