If you are a fan of home improvement shows, you have probably seen homeowners and real estate agents stage properties. While tv personalities have access to large budgets and warehouses full of furnishings, staging your home prior to listing it may make a big difference.
Nationally, the average residential property stays on the market for almost 50 days. Staged homes, though, sell in an average of just six days. Still, rather staging your home is the right decision may depend both on your goals and on the housing market in your area.
What is staging?
Staging involves making a home more appealing to buyers. When staging a property, you remove clutter and personal items. You also arrange furniture, artwork, plants, rugs and other furnishings to give your home a picture-perfect look.
How do you stage your home?
As a homeowner, you can either stage your home yourself or pay a professional to do it. Professional stagers often charge an hourly fee for their services. They may also charge you to rent furniture and other staging items until your home sells.
Can you afford not to stage your home?
If you do the job yourself, staging may be a cost-effective way to sell your home quickly. On the other hand, any money you pay a professional stager may pay dividends when your home sells. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reports homeowners may see a return on investment of up to $400 for every $100 they spend on staging.
Even though your home may have been ideal for you and your family, potential buyers may have a difficult time imagining themselves in the space. If you have the time and money, staging your home for a quick sale probably makes a great deal of sense.
