Furnishings & Decor Directory

Meditation is not what you think

By Jeanne Long of Discount Sanctuary L.L.C.

Meditation is way less than you think. More…

Home Staging - Who would list without?

By Shari Misturak of Stellar Staging, Inc.

In this tough real estate market, there is no question home sellers must do all
they can to get their homes sold.   Competition is stronger than ever with the current inventory of listings and the influx of short sales cutting home values.   Two main factors determine the
success of a home sale.  Accurately pricing the home is the first critical
component.   This should be left to an expert such as the listing
agent or a professional appraiser.  The second critical factor to the
success of the home sale is the home’s appearance.    Gone are the
days were doing a little “spring” cleaning and adding a carpet
allowance to the listing put the home in show ready condition.  Today’s
buyers are scrutinizing and expect to see move-in ready show homes.  This
is why professional stagers have become a vital resource for sellers and real
estate professionals alike. 

What is Home Staging?

HOME STAGING is the process of preparing a home for the best possible sale
using powerful proven, market savvy techniques that accentuate the home’s best
features, minimize the negative and create an appeal that reaches a broader
range of buyers.  Staging considers the entire home - exterior and
interior and evaluates all rooms using “buyer’s eyes”.  Vacant
or occupied and regardless of price, size or location ANY home will benefit
from home staging.   

Can a homeowner do their own Home Staging?

Home staging is an art form in and of itself that utilizes color, furniture
placement, space, scale, flow and light properties in a way that maximizes each
room’s selling feature.    Even the most creative home seller
will not have the tools and expertise of a professionally trained home stager. 
Most importantly, it is virtually impossible for a home seller to see their own
home through the eyes of a scrutinizing buyer.  The emotional attachments
and practical aspects of living in the home can skew the perspective of a home
seller - making it virtually impossible to be objective.  The way we live
in our homes and the way we market our homes are two different things. 
Professional home stagers are highly trained in the principals of maximizing
the home’s selling features, making them well worth the investment.

Does Home Staging Really Work?  According to statistics shown on www.stagedhomes.com  93% of staged homes staged by an ASP (Accredited Staging Professional) sell in one month or less.   And more reasons to stage include:

Staged homes appeal to a broader range of buyer and are more likely to appraise at full value.
Staged homes allow a buyer to easily visualize living in the home.

The investment of staging a home is typically less than a home price reduction.

Staged homes photograph better.  Over 90% of buyers will view a home online
such as on the web or on MLS making beautiful internet ready photographs a must. 

When interviewing potential stagers keep in mind that not all home
stagers are alike.  They can vary in services and price ranging from those
that provide consultations on occupied homes to those that can fully furnish
and accessorize a vacant home.  Every home is unique and careful consideration to existing architectural details and overall home styling should reflect in the staging.  

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A HOME STAGER: 

* Work with a skilled and trained professional stager.  There are several accreditations for staging.  Check creditials to be sure you are not trusting your largest investment to a “stager” who has not been trained in the techniques.  Then take it a step farther…

* Ask to view their work and make sure the portfolio they provide is actual
pictures of homes they have staged.   This is most important.  Each stager will have their unique style and abilities so be sure the one you select is able to produce results for your home.

* Ask for references.  A good home stager should be able to readily
provide several references for you to contact. 

* If you are staging a vacant home with furniture and accessories, obtain
several bids and be sure you are comparing costs accurately.  Staging
companies may differ in their pricing structure and how monthly rents are
collected, if at all.  Some may charge larger “up front” fees and some may be more reasonable in initial fees but charge larger monthly rental fees.   Determine how long you estimate the home will be staged (talk to a real estate professional about how quickly staged listings are selling in your area) and be sure to total all costs for the estimated term before making your selection. 

One last caution - once your home is staged be prepared to have “sellers remorse”.   Staging done right can make a seller wonder why they are selling their home in the first place!

 Happy Home Staging!