Your real estate agent has suggested that you hire a home stager, but you're not sure. Or you've heard about home staging, and you wonder what it entails. What is home staging, and why should you stage your home?
Home Staging is the process of rearranging your furnishings in order to make your house the preferred home among buyers. It generally includes packing away unneccessary furniture and home decor, especially objects that reflect your personality.
Home Staging does not include washing the windows, sweeping the porch or dusting the furniture. Any tasks that might be considered home cleaning and home repair tasks are necessary prior to listing. You want to get the highest possible price for your home in the current market, and homes that are well maintained attract solid offers.
When your home is staged, the professional you've hired will stand in your living room, in the likely spot that a homebuyer will view the room. From that vantage point, your home stager will work to open the room, making it feel comfortable and inviting.
"But wait, " you might say, "my home is already inviting. My friends always compliment my home." The difference between your friends' perspective and a new homebuyer's perspective is key, however. Your friend looks for reflections of your personality; the homebuyer does not.
Homebuyers are trying to imagine their life in your space, often in less than 10 minutes. It is critical that your furnishings help the buyer "try on" your house to see if it fits. For that reason, homes that are professionally staged sell faster, and for more money, than other homes.
For example, when children's bedrooms are staged as simply as possible, with most toys and decorations packed and stored for the move, buyers without children can easily picture their home office or guest room in that space.
So embrace the idea. Listen closely to the home stager and follow her advice. You'll be glad you did.
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Kathie Shandro is an experienced Realtor in Denver, Colorado. Visit Denver-HomesForSale.com for Denver real estate listings and information about Denver's neighborhoods, like Cherry Creek Real Estate.
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