The decluttering is done, and the repairs are made, The next thing on your home sale "To Do List" is staging. Every home can benefit from some staging. What is needed and how much time and money to invest are different for every seller.
Homes that are staged make a great first impression. They sell faster, frequently for more money, as reported in a National Association of Realtors 2017 study. There are options for every homeowner and every budget.
Should I try staging on my own? Probably not. As you live there, your home and its furnishings have taken on a life of their own, all suited to the way you live. That's the way it should be - it should function for you and your family. But you probably are not going to be objective enough to successfully stage it for the next homeowner. During this time, it is all about their lifestyle, not yours.
Hiring a professional is always a good choice. A professional stager doesn't have to cost a lot, especially if they work as a consultant and you implement their ideas yourself. Find someone local (your realtor probably has some suggestions.) Check out their website for before and after pictures of previous projects. You will get a feel for their style, and how it might work for you.
Be prepared for change. A stager is going to move things around, change the wall decor, and probably ask you to put treasured family items in storage. Anything that is overly personal will be boxed up, waiting to be displayed in your new place. The stronger the emotional attachment to these items, the harder it will be to put them away. Keep in mind that the changes are temporary. Focus on your long term goal: a new adventure in your new home.
Heed the stager's advice. They are the objective party here, and are working to maximize your home's potential. That is what it is all about. For most homeowners, the stager will suggest more decluttering, even more than what you already accomplished. The staging may be as simple as some pops of color to add visual interest and tie spaces together. Some homes may need lots of decorative furnishings to create a more modern vibe. The cost goes up as you do more. According the survey, staging pays big dividends about 30% of the time, and some benefit for another 30% of homeowners. For the remaining 40%, it was hard to determine the impact. You, your realtor and your stager are a team. Discuss what is needed to give you a competitive edge in your market, then make a budget and stick to it.
Staging your home sets you apart from the competition.. Your home is likely to seller faster and for more money. Count on #RynoMarketing to be a part of the team, and to help you every step of the way.
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