Eye-Catching Interiors

Rental Home Makeover

Staging to Sell

Frequently Asked Questions

• Customer Service
• Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is “home staging?”

Staging a home means strategically re-decorating it to maximize its appeal among would-be buyers. The goal is to maximize the property’s selling price and minimize its time on the market.

Staging involves re-arranging furniture to create an open traffic flow and draw the eye to the property’s best architectural features. Other steps include: neutralizing the color palette, de-cluttering and de-personalizing the interior, enhancing the lighting and making the entryway inviting. Ideally, staging is done before the property is listed on the market. When completed, the interior should resemble a model home as much as possible – freshly painted, clean, uncluttered and contemporary-looking. It helps the home seller gain a competitive edge in a crowded real estate market.

2. Does staging really work?

Yes! How well the home shows is a critical factor in real estate selling, in addition to its location and price. The National Association of Realtors found that staged homes sold for an average of 10% over listing price, and were under contract in 13.9 days versus 31 days for non-staged homes. Other studies have found similar positive results. Staged homes tend to attract more real estate showings because realtors feel comfortable bringing their clients to a property that shows well. Moreover, a staged home communicates that the owner has maintained the property well.

3. Is staging a sound investment?

Staging your home generally costs less than your first price reduction. In addition, by helping your property sell faster, it avoids the need for successive price decreases.

That said, it’s essential to focus efforts and expenses where the financial return will be highest. Studies published in Remodeling Magazine show that minor kitchen remodels and modest bathroom upgrades yield the greatest return.

It’s also important to keep improvements consistent with the local market. For example, if a kitchen countertop needs to be replaced, then the decision to use laminate versus granite or other more costly materials should be based on what competing homes in your neighborhood feature.

4. What does staging cost?

Staging fees vary based on the amount of work needed. In some cases, all that’s required is re-arranging furniture, de-cluttering and improved lighting. The cost will probably be $350 – $500. Other homes may need major repainting, rental furniture and new window treatments. Depending on the number of total rooms, this can cost $2,500 or more.

Rule of thumb: Spending roughly 1% of the home’s asking price on staging can move the property faster and help the seller avoid repeated price markdowns that ultimately cost more.

5. How do I find a staging professional?

There is no state licensing exam required or quasi-governmental credentialing organization that certifies home stagers. Anyone who feels he or she has a “knack for decorating” can hang out their shingle. So ask these questions before you sign an agreement:

• If you’re using a realtor, ask him or her for a recommendation. Realtors know the local market and what helps sell a house, and can offer many suggestions to enhance your home’s curb appeal and interior. But not all realtors feel comfortable undertaking the actual re-decorating work with you, and may have previously worked with a home stager.
• When interviewing home stagers, ask about their length of experience and training. With the growing popularity of home staging as a career, many types of brief (one week or less) training programs are being offered. But the quality of their curriculum — and alumni – may vary. Official-sounding professional designations may mean little in the way of actual training.
• Ask for references from previous clients.
• Find out what subcontractors, such as painters or landscapers, that the stager may use, and whether these individuals are fully insured and licensed.
• Examine photos of the home stager’s work. If you were a would-be home buyer, would those interiors appeal to you?
• If you have the time, energy and talent, find out if the home stager offers the option of developing specific recommendations for your home, with you doing the actual work. This saves money while providing you with an objective perspective. Just make sure the final document contains tips specific to your home, not “boiler-plate” content.

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