So you decided to sell your house. Whatever your reason for moving, this big change can be overwhelming. All you need to know can seem daunting. Don't worry, you're in the right place. Selling a home can be an emotional one, so it helps to have a professional guide you through the process. RE/MAX representatives have the expertise you need to facilitate your move, set the best price for your home, and provide advice on home staging and more. So what exactly is home staging? Everything you need to know is here.
What is home staging?
If you think it means putting on an off-Broadway production in your living room, you’re wrong – but you’ve come to the right place to get the right answer! To put it simply, home staging is a way of presenting your home for sale in a way that helps prospective homebuyers to imagine themselves living there. The process usually includes:
1. Depersonalize your space
Even if you're really proud of your taekwondo trophy (which you should!), if it's on your mantelpiece, pack it with a family photo is needed. (Yes, dog's, too.)
2. Tidy up
Though you may not see it, you probably have years’ worth of items on display such as that coffee table book on origami, your favourite collection of spoons, K-Pop memorabilia, mementos and well, stuff that can be packed away. You may see it as taking away the home’s personality but it’s actually taking away your personality, which allows buyers to see a blank slate that they can put their own personal stamp (or stamp collection) on. Try to think of it as less to pack on moving day. This is the objective of home staging.
3. Renovation
Replacing, painting, reorganizing and decorating dirty or worn furniture can help buyers understand the value of your home. Worn items can block shoppers from seeing the space. This is where professional home stagers come in very handy.
Realtors can also advise on renovations that can help you achieve the best ROI.
Who pays for home staging?
Sellers usually pay their costs with the idea that they will recoup their costs (and more) at a higher selling price. According to the National Association of Realtors, a study by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals found that staged homes (investments at 1% of list price) sell up to 30% faster and average 20% faster . more. These are the main benefits of home staging. Hmmm... not so sad when you suddenly put away your grandma's picture from your bedside table!
How much does home staging cost?
It all depends on the level of staging you want. Older homes may require more intensive updates such as: Painting, replacing hardware and lighting, or renting new furniture for a period of time. On the other hand, a relatively new and/or updated home may need simple, inexpensive depersonalization and decluttering. If the seller hires a professional stagehand, there will be a service charge for the home her staging her services, but this will vary by stagehand. If the seller takes a do-it-yourself approach, it will only cost them some time and will only hurt fairness.
