Should I Stage My House?

Q: The house I am selling is in a lower price range. Is it worth it to stage?

A: Yes!! Every home, regardless of price, would spend less time on the market when staged to sell. Even buyers who are looking in a lower price range want a house that is warm, inviting, and is a place they can call "home".

Q: The house I am selling has been professionally decorated. Do I still need to stage?

A: Yes! Decorators design rooms for the homeowner's personal taste and lifestyle. Even though the house looks fabulous and suits your needs, not everyone will want to live in, (or buy) it because it is not to their taste. Buyers who love the "MacKenzie-Childs" look can be turned off by a home that is decorated in an ultra-contemporary style and vice versa. They will not be able to picture themselves living in the home, and will go elsewhere.

Q: My guests always comment that my home looks beautiful. Why should I stage it?

A: Your guests are very polite and they like you. They like your home because it is a reflection of you. Buyers are much more critical, and they are not interested in your personality. You want buyers to "feel home" when touring your house, not feel like they are visiting someone else's home.

Q: I don't have the budget to stage my house; will it be worth it?

A: Yes! The great thing about staging is that it is never a waste of money. According to the most recent Home Gain Survey 2012, staging offers a 196% return on investment. Furthermore, the survey shows that an average investment of $724 results in a $2,145 benefit. When you look at the numbers, you can't afford not to stage.

Q: The local housing market is good. Why should I stage my house?

A: Your house may sell quickly in a good housing market, but that doesn't mean you'll get the most money you could get for it. Staged homes typically sell for 6% more (or higher), even in a good market. Don't give up extra money on the sale of your house by not staging.

When considering whether you should stage your house, ask yourself if you would like to sell it quickly and for more money. If the answer is "yes", then you should definitely stage your house!