If you are getting ready to sell your home and you don't consider staging, you are very likely leaving money on the table. Sorry, but it's true. However much you love your home decor, there is always something that needs a little, or a lot, of editing before you list. Your real estate agent should absolutely talk to you honestly about how important home staging is [see my previous blog: Selling Your Home? Honest Conversation for more about this].
So here is everything you need to know about staging and how I can help.
Don't Miss: Shop my Amazon Design Picks!
Selling your home is a big deal and like most things, there is a process. One of the most important parts of this process is home staging.
Home staging prepares your home for potential buyers by transforming it from cluttered and outdated to simple & organized with stylish decor. The main goal of staging is to get potential buyers to see themselves living in the home, rather than being distracted by an abundance of personal items or excess clutter.
It can be hard for a buyer to see themselves living in the home if you have a huge gallery wall of personal photos in your gorgeous foyer, for example, or if you have unnecessarily large furniture items in a room with beautiful windows. Yes, it may be difficult for you to make these changes while you are still living in your home, but remember: you’re moving! So you should begin detaching from this home and start getting excited about your new home.
You want potential buyers to see the beauty of your home's architectural features and natural surroundings, not be distracted by your clutter.
This is where having a good real estate agent comes in handy. If your agent is not stressing the importance of home staging AND helping you every step of the way, you may be working with the wrong one. Read more about what you should expect from a good listing agent in Part 1: Selling Your Home? What You Should Expect From Your Listing Agent.
So what’s the process?
The main goal of home staging is to prepare your home for listing photos and for the potential buyers to tour your home. When thinking about staging your home, you can either do it yourself or hire a professional.
If you do it yourself, it’s a good idea to focus on removing knick-knacks, most family photos, evidence of pets, fridge magnets, etc. The space should feel open and free of clutter. THE NAME OF THE GAME IS SIMPLIFY. If you have a more eclectic style when it comes to color choices, it might be worth your while to also inject some neutrality into your home.
However, if you decide to work with a professional, they can make the process much easier. To begin, the staging professional will create a plan for each space by suggesting layouts to stage the main areas of your home. They may rearrange your furniture or bring in additional furniture and anything else necessary to stage the space.
Should I work with a staging professional?
Your real estate agent should be able to let you know if working with a staging company is the best option. They may even be able to recommend some pros or lend a hand to help you stage themselves. In Part 2: Selling Your Home? Honest Conversation, I briefly discuss the importance of the condition of your home and the way that it should be presented to potential buyers.
Since 2016, I have helped countless sellers simplify and stage their homes for sale. Editing personal decor choices and updating light fixtures to add a more modern touch are just a few of the simple [and affordable] things you can do to transform a space.
According to Home Advisor, professional home staging costs average from about $752 - $2,837, but of course this cost varies depending on your home. Most professional stagers who bring in new furniture & accessories charge a monthly rate for staging, where the first month is usually the highest cost and then subsequent months decrease. Ideally, you will only need the staging for one month! In most circumstances, the seller pays for the costs of the staging company, but when you list your home with Stacy Ward Realtor, we cover the cost of your home staging.
Editing personal decor choices and updating light fixtures to add a more modern touch are just a few of the simple [and affordable] things you can do to transform a space.
Keep reading to see my simple design picks for a staged home.
STAGE YOUR HOME WITH MY AMAZON PICKS
Here are some of my favorite (and affordable) Amazon items to increase the value of your home. You will find categories below with links to each product.
Natural Decor
Try these items in your main living spaces, focusing on your entryway, family room, and kitchen - typically these are the areas that potential buyers spend most of their time.
Click each picture to shop!
Woven Storage Basket.
Throw some extra pillows or blankets in here, and use it to block ugly wires or plugs.
White Ceramic Vase.
This is great on a mantel or shelf.
Artificial Eucalyptus Green Branches.
Place these greens in the vase above!
Storage Glass Jar Set.
Use these on your kitchen or bathroom counter.
Rattan Round Serving Tray.
Create a vignette of books on your coffee table with this tray.
Arched Mirror.
So versatile! Use this mirror on a mantel, leaning on a table in your entryway, or on a dresser.
Decor Odds & Ends
These are all simple + affordable swaps that make a big impact!
Throw pillows. Use on beds, sofas & chairs.
*These are all pillow covers. Don't forget to order the inserts and be sure to check the size! I always opt for the larger throw pillow size.
Rugs. Blue & natural is the name of the game. You can even place a stylish rug on top of an ugly carpet for bonus points!
Love this one under a kitchen or dining table!
This navy blue rug is perfect for an entryway - hides the dirt and super stylish!
Bedding. White is always a safe choice, but soft neutrals work also. Remember, you can simply cover your existing bedspread with a new duvet cover to save $$.
*Grab this duvet insert if needed for a soft, fluffy look:
Cabinet Hardware. Swap out handles & knobs in your kitchen and baths. This simple touch makes a BIG impact.
Lucite is so sleek & modern.
Kitchen Sink Faucets. Another low cost, big-impact swap. Coordinate your new faucet with your new cabinet hardware.
Lighting
This may be the NUMBER ONE thing you can do to refresh & modernize your home.
Here are just a few affordable lighting options, but check out the full blog here.
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