In today’s red-hot real estate market, where homes are often snapped up within days of listing, sellers might be wondering whether staging is even necessary. After all, why invest in staging when buyers are already lining up at your doorstep? Well, the answer may surprise you. Staging can be the secret sauce that sets your home apart and helps you secure the highest possible offers. Scott Himelstein, your Los Angeles Real Estate Agent, dives into why staging is essential in a seller’s market.
At its core, staging is about creating an emotional connection between buyers and your property. It transforms your house into a move-in ready home that buyers can envision themselves living in. By updating the decor with trendy and inviting styles, particularly in key areas like the living room, primary bedroom, kitchen, and dining room, you can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. Once buyers are emotionally engaged, they become more committed to the purchase and may even be willing to offer more. Additionally, they are less likely to change their minds at the last minute or ask for concessions. According to the National Association of Realtors, a whopping 82% of buyer agents believe that staging helps clients visualize the property as their future home.
Staging is not about hiding flaws but about minimizing them and accentuating the positives of your home. It begins with decluttering and depersonalizing to remove distractions. Expert interior designers can work their magic to add neutral wall colors, remove dated window treatments, and strategically arrange furniture, eliminating bulky pieces. These simple updates can emphasize your home’s unique features and increase its perceived value. The statistics support this approach, with over a quarter of buyers willing to overlook property faults if a home is staged, according to the National Association of Realtors. In today’s digital age, the first impression often happens online. If your house is staged, it will stand out from the competition. Staged homes not only help buyers visualize their furniture in the space but also create a more spacious and inviting environment. Remember, you only get one chance to make a big impression, and that starts online.
To illustrate the impact of staging, consider two recent success stories. In the first case, a home listed at $1,150,000 was transformed with staging, new carpeting and some fresh paint. The result? It sold for $70,000 over the list price. Without staging, it would have felt bland and stale. Similarly, another one of our listings underwent new paint, new flooring, and staging, and sold for $60,000 over the list price. These examples demonstrate the tangible difference that staging can make.
According to the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, staging a home can help it sell 3 to 30 times faster than non-staged competition. Additionally, it can increase the sales price by up to 20% on average. So, in this competitive seller’s market, don’t underestimate the power of staging. It’s a worthwhile investment that can make your property shine, attract more buyers, and ultimately lead to a faster sale at a higher price. If you’re concerned about the cost, remember that there are programs available where staging doesn’t cost you anything as the seller.
Want to know how to have you home staged for FREE? If you’re ready to make the most of your home sale, reach out to us today!
For any other real estate questions, feel free to contact us at (818) 396-3311.
