In this tough real estate market, home sellers must do all they can to get their homes sold.   Two main factors determine the success of a sale.  Accurately pricing the home is the first critical component.   This should be left to an expert such as the (an experienced) listing agent and/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?  YES!  Statistics show...
 
93% of STAGED HOMES staged by an ASP (Accredited Staging Professional) SELL IN ONE MONTH OR LESS.

Staged homes APPEAL TO A BROADER RANGE OF BUYERS and are more likely to APPRAISE AT FULL VALUE.

MORE EXPOSURE TO POTENTIAL BUYERS ALLOWING A BUYER TO EASILY VISUALIZE LIVING IN THE HOME!

The investment of STAGING A HOME COSTS LESS THAN A HOME PRICE REDUCTION.  (AHH, MY FAVORITE BENEFIT)

Staged homes PHOTOGRAPH BETTER.  Over 90% of buyers will view a home online such as on the web or on MLS and professionally staged homes PROVIDE BEAUTIFUL INTERNET READY PHOTOGRAPHS.  * statistical source: stagedhomes.com

How Do I Find an Accredited Staging Professional?  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.  When interviewing home stagers:

* Be sure they are an Accredited Staging Professional, the only internationally recognized accredation for home staging. 

* Ask to view their work and make sure the portfolio they provide is actual pictures of homes they have staged.

* 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.  Be sure to total all costs before making your selection. 

For more information on the benefits of home staging and some remarkable before and after photos visit www.stellarstagingdesigns.com.

HAPPY STAGING!