Staging FAQ’s
Why should I stage my home? In the Lafayette area, today’s real estate market is very competitive. It is currently a buyer’s market, so the inventory is at a record high. To ensure a quick sale for the most money, your home needs to stand out. Staged homes spend less time on the market and sell for more money. Your buyer will spend more time in a staged home than a non-staged home. They will feel at home.
Your first price reduction will be far more than the cost of staging your home.
What are some statistics on home staging? What’s the return on my investment? In this real estate market, 87 % of those home buyers will see your home on the internet. So, it’s important your home stager knows how to stage to create great photos. Make sure the real estate agent puts as many photos on the internet as possible.
78 % of those home buyers will do a drive-by if they like the photos. Therefore, your home must have curb appeal and look inviting enough for a buyer to want to see the interior. Otherwise, the potential buyer will keep driving to the next home. You only get a couple chances to make the great first impression.
- Staging your home brings 343% return on your investment!
- 94.6% of staged homes sell within 35 days
- 91 % of realtors recommend staging
- Staged homes sell 3% higher than similar un-staged homes. That is $9000 on a $300,000 home.
Why can’t I stage my own home? Unfortunately, not many people are objective about their own homes, including home stagers, interior designers and real estate agents. We become attached to the home and to the memorabilia in the home. A home stager is trained to enhance the wonderful aspects of a home and to downplay the negative. A real estate home stager will market your home to appeal to the majority of the public.
What does home staging cost? Real estate home staging is a relatively new trade and there is no standardization of estimating or billing. I attempt to use what is provided by the homeowner to cut down on the cost. I do suggest purchases that would enhance the home further. The occupied staging has a variety of pricing, it might be charged per square foot, number of rooms, by the 1/2 day or full day and number of hours. If the home is vacant, I try to limit the number of rental pieces. Generally there is a one-time fee for the hours spent in the home and a monthly rental fee for furniture and accessories. I always work with the homeowner to best fit their budget and needs.
Why can’t buyers use their imagination? We have a saying in staging “The buyer can’t see how it can be”. Only 10% of buyers have the ability to imagine there furnishings in a listed home. A home stager will ensure that the home is de-cluttered, painted, repairs are made, cleaned and finally staged to make the home its best and make the first impression lasting.
