What is Home Staging, and Why Stage?

Did you know that on average a staged home sits on the market for 20% less time and sells for 10% more than the average un-staged home?

Within Orange County the average median home price is $626,000, meaning that a staged home would stand to make over $62,000 more than an un-staged home!

‘A survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corp. discovered that staged homes are usually sold 6% above the asking price and spent less time in the market when compared to un-staged homes.’

Staging refers to the process of preparing a home for sale within the real estate market. When a home is staged, it helps the potential buyer visualize the space through what is called a ‘mental move-in’. Staging helps to define the function of a space, and allow for the buyers to imagine themselves living within the home. Staging also helps buyers focus on the positive features of the home, while simultaneously overlooking the less visually appealing features. It is important to understand what potential buyers respond well to. Stagers help achieve that through de-cluttering, de-personalizing, furniture placement, and neutrality. This step-by-step process can change the whole look and feel of space for the better all while appealing to the most number of potential buyers possible.

For more than 90% of homebuyers, the buying process begins online. Pictures are worth a thousand words, as the saying goes. A staged home shows better in photos; therefore gets increased visibility online, and more inquiry for showings. A staged home stands out from the others and bring in more foot traffic than un-staged homes. Even the most beautiful and well priced home can be affected if not shown well. Clutter, bad furnishings, wrong color choices, and bad photos can cause potential buyers to overlook the property because all they see is a home that is not visually appealing.

Staging your home can make it appear more maintained and ‘move-in’ ready, which appeals to the majority of homebuyers. Staging can build a buyers confidence in the home and motivate them to make an immediate offer!

This goes to show you that Home Staging is the best investment you could make for your home. An investment that you are sure to get a return on in the end!