There’s just something about a beautifully decorated home. Not only does it convey a sense of pride for the homeowner but also of warmth and comfort for anyone that walks in the front door.
That’s why staging should be considered when it’s time to put your home on the market. Below I’ll discuss just some of the many benefits of home staging services.
1. Make a good first impression. Whether you’re meeting someone new or getting a glimpse of a potential new home, first impressions matter a great deal. Staging puts your home’s best face forward and provides a positive image that buyers will recall as they make their purchasing decision. The home should be clean, inviting and free of clutter with any easy-to-navigate floor plan.
2. Entice an online buyer. Between MLS listings and social media ads, many buyers are beginning their home searches online. A staged home with professional images will stand out among the rest in a market with a large inventory. Buyers will be tempted to take a tour, where your Realtor can seal the deal. that leads me to the next benefit.
3. Help the potential buyer imagine themselves at home. It’s a completely different experience for a buyer when touring a staged home versus touring an empty home. Stark walls and bare rooms make it difficult to imagine living there. A staging expert creates the visual, which connects the buyer to the home. The goal is to bring out an emotional response by making them feel as though they have just stepped into their own house.
4. Sell your home faster. According to the National Association of Realtors® 2017 Profile of Home Staging, 62 percent of sellers’ agents say that home staging decreases the amount of time that a home spends on the market. This same report reveals that the living room is the most important room to stage, followed by the master bedroom, the kitchen then the yard or outdoor space, while the guest bedroom is least important.
When staging a home, it’s important to keep the color palette neutral. While patterned wallpaper and eclectic paint colors might show a seller’s personality, it could also turn off a potential buyer because they know they will have to put in extra money to change it later. Stick with paint in shades of gray, beige or white and add pops of color with furniture, rugs or smaller decor elements.
Preparing your home for a sale may seem like something you can do on your own, but there’s an art to it. Consult with a home staging professional to get the best results.
About the Author:
Jenni Sloan is a Realtor with Kelly Price and Company. She is a leader in the industry and has helped her clients confidently navigate the Winter Park and Central Florida housing markets for 16 years.