Home Staging

A picture is worth a thousand words. Real Estate Professionals know that if a buyer can picture themselves living in a home, it is as good as sold. However, not every property listed on the market paints a pretty picture.

Fundamental to building an emotional connection with buyers is to provide a stage for them to visualize the property as their own, and how their lives would fit into it.

It is here where the seller can distinguish their home from all others in their area and price range. The changes are all about creating ambience.

The way buyers see a property determines whether that property is going to sell at target price, or linger on the market for weeks, or months, having to settle for less then it deserves. Hiring a Professional Home Stager prepares the property which will put extra dollars in the owner's pocket, in less time.

Home Staging Professionals use many techniques to create an inviting ambience to appeal to potential buyers. These services can include: Cleaning, Organizing, De-Cluttering, Room Redesign, Painting, and Light Landscaping., Replacement of flooring and fixtures (depending on condition),is sometimes recommended along with small repairs and reconstruction.

Staging is not about spending a lot of money. It is about investing in the equity of a home. Most of the time, homeowners have the right things, they just have too much of them and in the wrong places.

What detracts buyers is over-cluttering. Clutter can make a home dull, dark & dreary. It can hide the natural beauty of the home. The property will also feel smaller and less inviting.

By clearly defining spaces, de-cluttering, depersonalizing, lightening, brightening and neutralizing the color scheme, buyers can more easily envision their furniture and belongings in the new space. Buyers focus on the house itself.

The process of Home Staging can also help the owner to emotionally detach from their home/condo. Helping them to pack up and clear their personality from the home makes it easier to separate themselves from the home. It can be a very cathartic experience. It isn't there home anymore. It is a commodity that they intend to sell.

Home Staging is not a new concept, it has been common practice for over 15 years in the U.S. It has recently made it’s presence known in the Canadian Real Estate market but is a new concept to many.

The national association of realtors presently does not track how many realtors use staging services, but there are signs that its appeal is broadening because it is successful.

Industry insiders forecast that in the next few years, there will be a huge number of realtors who are starting to pay attention to this professional service. It is an effective tool for realtors and clients to strategically place the property in today's competitive market.

Real Estate Agents are experts in the field of selling houses. The most crucial time with a house on the market is the first 10 days.

Agents know what factors can help sell a home, and by partnering with a Home Stager, the agent can guarantee that if the homeowners hire their services, the home will sell in less time for more money. Staging is the only service done in preparation for selling a house that is measurable.

Home Staging will help to present the home in its best possible condition. Structural problems such as plumbing, electrical, mold/mildew are beyond the scope of staging. When the Home Inspection is completed and written up, the seller or buyer (depending on the terms of agreement) is responsible for fixing these problems.

Creating an overall good impression makes buyers more accepting about repairs that may be required. Most buyers cannot visualize changes and often won't take a second look at a property if the first impression isn't appealing. For those who can see the changes that need to be done and are prepared to make them, they expect the homeowner to reduce the price to compensate for the work. It is important to show buyers the best aspects of a property and not expect them to imagine improvements.

Key areas to Concentrate on for any property is the Kitchen, Bathrooms, Front Door, Entry way, Curb Appeal (excluding Condominiums), Living/Family Room, Bedrooms (particularly the Master) These areas are the hotspots of any home that influence buyers.

The standard price for staging is based on a budget of 1%-2% of the suggested asking price of the property. Condos are often less than 1%. This would pay for the consultation, evaluation, any supplies, accessories and work to be done. Depending on what the homeowner already has, and what the condition the property is in will determine the actual price. This budget is drawn up by the Home Stager and must have consensus with the homeowner and the realtor. All parties must agree on work to be done. Upon completion and because of the noticeable improvements , the realtor may list the house for sale at up to 10% more than the original suggested asking price allowing more room for negotiation, and more money for both the realtor and homeowner. The biggest selling point to buyers for a home that has been staged, is the idea of a low maintenance move in.

Questions to consider when evaluating a Home:

1) What changes would make immediate improvements?

2) What are the property's best features, and can they be shown?

3) Who is the target market for the property?

4) Is there an ambience that can be created that makes a property suit its surroundings?

5) How could the home appear more spacious?

For your home staging consultation, contact us