If you want to maximise the value of your home once it is ready for sale you need to make it appealing for prospective buyers. One of the best ways to do that is to stage your home by showcasing its very best features. But what is home staging and how does it work? We go into more detail so you can decide whether this is the right option for you.
What is home staging?
Home staging is a process of ‘dressing up’ your home by rearranging furniture and adding décor to attract viewings and serious buyer bids.
Not only can home staging help to maximise the value of your property (by an estimated 10%), but it makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Home staging can be an extensive process that includes every aspect of your home, or just a few small changes to amplify certain features.
Why is home staging important?
When you are selling your home, it makes sense to maximise its value, especially as it can then be put towards the next property you are planning to move to.
The best way to sell a property is not to package it as simply bricks and mortar but as a home. While individual buyers are looking for different features and specifics in the property they buy, the one thing they have in common is the desire to live in a place that complements their lifestyle and aspirations.
Home staging also presents a home that doesn’t require the buyer to carry out extensive work when they move in. Offers tend to lower when there are too many problems on show and with the right presentation you stand a much better chance of achieving your asking price and above.
Are there benefits to home staging instead of emptying the property?
As you mentioned above, home staging sets the stage for buyers to imagine what it would be like for them to live there. Emptying the space largely serves to strip rooms of their personality and character, which makes it harder for buyers to project their own ideas.
A staged home also looks more professional and cleaner to potential buyers. There is less clutter lying around and none of the seller’s personal items are on show, so it becomes more attractive to the buyer who is conducting the viewing. It also suggests that this is a ready-made home that can be moved into straightaway and is more enticing than houses that may require a lot of repairs or maintenance before they become liveable.
With a cleaner and more professional looking home comes an upgrade in how your home is presented online. Most homebuyers use the internet to search for properties, and a home-staged property will look more powerful when shot by the professional photographers often used by estate agents.
How do I stage my home?
There are a few options available to you when it comes to staging your home.:
- DIY
The do-it-yourself method means you do not use a third party and you make the décor changes and rearrangements for your home. It can be a cheaper option, although the lack of professional insight could mean you do not maximise the full value of the property.
- Professional stagers
A third option is to hire a professional staging company. These are generally experts with interior decorating, design or real estate experience that will help with the staging. The quality of service should be good, although it tends to be the most expensive option of them all.
Does home staging cost?
The cost for staging a home varies depending on whether it is something you are doing yourself or if you are using an estate agent or professional staging company.
Doing it yourself could be cheaper, although costs can be incurred if you decide to redecorate or make larger changes to the interior. Estate agents may charge a separate fee or include home staging as part of a wider service they are providing for you. If the agent offers this service, ask how it works and if there are any additional costs involved.
Using a professional staging company will likely be the most expensive option as it is the sole service they provide, so you may need a larger budget to hire one.