Staging a Home for Sale – Myths vs. Facts

With the popularity of today’s home staging shows, many people think they know all about home staging principles. Unfortunately, there are a lot of well intentioned homeowners who have been misinformed. Even though the general public has received their home staging training in one-hour television increments, it doesn’t mean that they know how to stage a home. There is much more that goes into preparing a home for sale than what is shown on television. Staging myths are about to get BUSTED!

MYTH: I can stage my own house.
FACT: It is very difficult for homeowners to look at their own house objectively. Living in a house, one becomes accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of their environment. Asking a professional home stager to evaluate your home will allow you to get a sneak peek at what buyers will be focusing on (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

MYTH: Home staging costs too much.
FACT: Home staging does cost, but it also pays! The average cost of a complete staging project is usually much less than your first price reduction. Statistically, homes that have been properly prepared for the market sell before a price reduction is needed. In a good or bad housing market, some studies have shown that staged homes can add between 10 and 15 percent to the sale price of many homes.  There will be staging costs, but it costs more to not stage!

MYTH: A decorated house is a staged house.
FACT: Decorating and staging are almost complete opposites. Decorating involves putting the existing homeowner’s tastes and styles into the house, making it personal. Staging involves taking one’s personality out of the house, so the decor is neutral and appealing to the broadest range of potential home buyers. Stagers help agents market the home as a product by using staging, design, and marketing principles.

MYTH: I will save time if I list my house first and then stage it if is doesn’t sell.
FACT:
Actually, it is best to have your house staged first and then have it listed. Think of the importance of first impressions. The greatest buzz about a house is generated when it is first listed. Referring again to real estate statistics, homes that have been staged first, then listed sell quicker than homes that were listed first, then staged. Results don’t lie.
MYTH: Home staging is just a real estate fad.
FACT:
Although introduced on the television circuit through popular HGTV shows, home staging has actually been around since the 1970’s. Staging is as common as open houses and in most states agents and sellers are starting to recognize the value of a staged home, not because it is trendy, but because it works!