Maximizing Your Home's Potential: The Art of Staging for a Successful Sale
Preparing to sell your home can be a daunting task, but one way to increase your chance of success is through staging. Staging is not merely decorating or designing, it is a strong marketing tool used to showcase your property in its most appealing light. The intent is to create a space in which a potential buyer can imagine themselves living – a clean slate that highlights the qualities of a home without clouding a new vision. Effective staging can lead to multiple offers and potentially increase the final sale price.
There are three main factors that affect the offered price of a property: Asking Price, Appearance, and Location (PAL). While location cannot be changed, the appearance can be improved and the price can fluctuate. Most sellers are hesitant to lower their asking price, which is where staging becomes an affordable and effective tool. Additionally, as Kate Rooney, Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty Sales Agent and Certified Stager, mentions, “The investment in staging is far less costly than a price reduction.”
According to Michelle Drum, also of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty, “Staging is a crucial element of real estate marketing and has become increasingly vital in selling homes in today's world. Staging is not just necessary for luxury homes - it is equally important for all residences regardless of size and price point. A well-staged home - either virtual or physical - can significantly impact a potential buyer’s enthusiasm and entice them to purchase the property. It will help sellers obtain a higher price and sell their home more quickly.”
Sales Agent and Certified Stager Rebecca King adds that she will use a seller’s existing furniture and complement it with additional soft goods, greenery, and decor from her collection. “I will rearrange and refresh the interior so that the property shows in its best light, always to sell it quickly and for the highest price.” King says, “Curating interiors is one of the most powerful marketing tools in a digitally driven real estate market.”
Kate elaborates on the seven “C’s” of Staging: Clean, Clutter-free, Color – either adding or removing color - Creativity, Compromise, Communication, and finally, Commitment. Kate continues, “Home staging is about de-personalization and using the client's timeframe and budget to prepare a house for sale. The goal is to turn a house into a home a buyer can visualize making their own.”
When employing interior staging, it is essential to ensure plenty of natural light by opening curtains/blinds and cleaning windows. Furniture should be arranged to showcase the space, accessorizing with plants, pillows, throws, artwork, and mirrors. Rooms look smaller when they do not have any furniture (or have too much), so the proper number of pieces in each room should be considered. Personal items, such as photographs, souvenirs, and trinkets, should be removed to create a decluttered canvas.
Staging a property’s exterior is just as important as the interior. Curb appeal is vital as it is people's first impression of your home: landscaping should be well-maintained, the front door should be inviting, and any outdoor living space should be staged with furniture and decor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Staging is an indispensable marketing strategy that can accelerate the sale of a home and increase its final selling price. With the ability to make a home more appealing and attractive to potential buyers, staging is a must-have tool for anyone looking to sell. It is equally essential for listing agents to include staging as part of their services offered to clients in today's competitive real estate market. In short, staging should be a top priority for preparing your property to sell.
For assistance selling your home or searching for a new one, don't hesitate to reach out to the team of experienced agents at Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty today. Contact us now to get started.