"Is it Really Necessary to Stage My House For Sale?"
That's a question that as a professional stager, I am often asked by home sellers and real estate agents alike. As a stager I already know the answer is yes, of course! To help them understand why, I sometimes ask a few questions of my own. For instance:
When getting ready for job interviews is it really necessary to invest in a new suit, shirt, tie and polish your best shoes?
Maybe you should just get ready as if it is any other work day, because you know if you're turned down for those positions it just shows that those employers didn't know a good thing when they saw it. So even though you will still be stuck at the job you no longer love, for a longer time, the belief in yourself that are qualified would still satisfy you... somehow?
When a man proposes marriage to a woman, is it really necessary that he have a bouquet of flowers in hand and be clean-shaven, freshly showered and have his hair nicely groomed, wear some nice cologne and a great jacket or sweater, shirt and pants?
Perhaps you think it will be ok if he stops by to propose to her - right after finishing his work-out at the local gym - but before he has gone home for a shower and change of clothes. That would still be just fine with her you rationalize, because she would forever cherish the memory of that moment despite how he smelled, and be so proud especially every time she recounts the story to her friends and family... right?
When meeting her future Mother In-Law for the very first time, is it really necessary for the woman to make sure to have her hair, nails, and make-up freshly done and wear her nicest outfit?
Of course, she could assume that her future Mother In-Law will be able to see right past her "adequate" exterior of clean but uncombed hair, worn or chipped nail polish and make-up that faded before noon, to see her for the gem she really is on the inside where it counts... true?
When you are ready to trade in your car for a newer model, is it really necessary to remove all of your personal items and have the car detailed?
Car dealers probably see lots of trash, junk, dirty carpets, dusty dashboards, streaky windows, and grimy seats - and of course, smell lots of stale cigarette, pet, or you-don't-want-to-know-what-it-is odors every day, and that probably doesn't affect the trade-in allowance... that much?
When you are ready to sell your old house and move on to your next home, is it really necessary to have your house staged?
You might be thinking of gambling on the sale of your house as well as the plans you have made to move on to the next phase of your life. So what if the house is filled with your personal style, furniture, wallpaper and photos. You can take your chances that buyers will somehow be able to picture themselves with their furniture and accessories, living in what is quite obviously still your house.
You can even raise your bet and hope potential buyers won't notice the outdated carpets, squeaking hinges, leaky faucet or scuffed walls and trim - after all, you barely notice them. (It's likely you also don't notice your home's pet, cooking, cigarette, or mildew odors. Amazingly, most people cannot detect these overwhelming, offensive odors in their own homes. Visitors sure can, but most won't tell you.) You could decide to let it ride, to give the house shoppers a little time to conclude that your house is worth what you are asking (although you risk paying all the extra carrying costs until it sells.) High-stakes player that you are, you wager that even with all the other well-priced and possibly even staged homes available for sale right in your neighborhood, the quick and profitable sale of your house is... a sure thing?
So, to answer the original question, "Is it Really Necessary to Stage Your House For Sale?" I say, absolutely yes!
If you really want to get the advantage over your competition it is really necessary to stage your house. You need to stage it if you are placing your house on the market - the "Buyers' Market" that is. Buyers are looking for a well-kept, up-to-date and move-in-ready home that is priced appropriately, and they will pass on those that don't meet their criteria. As a home seller, you must be ready to satisfy as many potential buyers as possible. Make your house stand out with Outstanding Staging... help a buyer find it really necessary to buy your house!
Call (570) 369-9501 or email Lin@OutstandingStaging.com to learn how we can help you get your house ready for a successful sale!
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