Home Staging

Staging properties has become very popular in recent years and is even more important during a declining market.  Staging can greatly increase the value of a property and lower the length of time it stays on the market.  If the property is owner occupied, a professional stager can consult with the homeowner on cosmetic repairs and de-cluttering, and then stage the property using the owner’s own furniture.  If the property is vacant, the stager will likely bring in their own inventory of furniture or rent what is needed. 

Many sellers and agents prefer “virtual” staging because it is far less expensive than regular staging. Virtual staging is basically computerized decorating.  The technology has improved so much that it can be difficult to tell it is just graphics. It is easy to add amazing details that can highlight the potential of the property.  However, it can cause disappointment for a buyer that views an empty property that they expected would look like it does in the MLS photos.  If not done correctly, the photos could be misleading and cause problems. 

Model home staging is in a different category.  The next time you visit a model home, see if you can spot the different ways the decorators make them look so beautiful. There are usually no window screens and no drapes that actually cover the entire window.  This is to provide as much sunlight as possible and the buyer notices the view instead of the lack of privacy.  There are also usually no interior bedroom or bathroom doors installed so the home will look larger.  Every room is decorated using the latest in color and fabric trends to sell a particular lifestyle.

Staging is an excellent marketing tool as long as it is done correctly and the buyers can see what they are buying and can envision themselves living there. 

Contact us today for more information on what our stagers can do for you!