Staging 101: What Home Sellers Should Know

It’s one of the most common questions sellers ask. Is staging a home really necessary? In the eyes of buyers, how much does a carefully-staged property differ from one that’s hasn’t been prepared in the same way? While there are plenty of benefits associated with staging, it’s always best to make an informed decision. As a seller, you deserve to know the ins and outs of the process—and how it might impact your final outcome.

If you’re wondering whether staging is right for your home sale, here’s what you need to know…

What is staging?

Staging is all about presentation. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and working with an expert can help ensure that it’s the right one. Choosing paint, furniture, and decor that complements your home is key, but the real skill lies in pulling it all together. That’s where a stager’s eye, and the elements of design (such as balance and symmetry), come into play.

The goal

Many sellers believe that the aim of staging is making a home look “better,” but what does that really mean? One of the most important things to keep in mind is, it’s not about whether or not you have good taste. It’s about appealing to as many potential buyers as possible.

For some home hunters, bold design trends can be off-putting. On the flip side, a bland aesthetic will fail to provide the inspiration that buyers are looking for. That’s why professional stagers opt for a balance. Usually, that means neutral colours with a bit of warmth, and classic styles with eye-catching accents.

Visitors should be able to easily imagine their furnishings in your space—and feel a spark of excitement by what they’re seeing in the moment. If you can provide both, it could seriously grow your pool of potential buyers.

The benefits

So, how does staging lead to a better outcome? To start with, there are your listing photos. Most buyers will find your home online, and (in most cases) the pictures they see there will determine whether they decide to book a viewing.

Of course, getting home hunters to show up at your door is only half the battle. Once they step inside, you want them to fall in love with your space. A tastefully-staged interior increases the chances of that happening.

Having more buyers view your home, and ensuring it’s in tip-top condition when they do, can lead to more interest. Experts believe that the outcome is often a higher price—and a quicker sale. In fact, according to the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes spend over 70 per cent less time on the market.

Different levels

One of the biggest misconceptions about staging is the idea that it always leads to a complete overhaul. While some homes will benefit from extensive preparations, others will present very well after a simple decluttering, a fresh coat of paint, or one or two added pieces of decor.

Only an expert can tell you how buyers are likely to view your living space—and whether staging it could lead to a better outcome. Ultimately, the extent of the preparations your property undergoes is up to you. Are you ready to learn whether staging is right for your home?

Ready to prepare your home for the market? We can work with a team of local experts to make it shine—get in touch to learn how!