Dilemma: My house is priced perfectly, and I have hosted at least a dozen tours. However, none of the potential buyers call me for negotiations. What’s the problem? Solution: Staging.
What is Staging?
Home staging is a sales technique that integrates marketing with decorating to create a beautiful buyer experience.
Simply put, it makes your house look attractive from the inside and outside.
Think of it as an investment that will help you sell your house for a profit.
Here are a few stats by NARs that will help you understand why staging is important:
- 58% of buyer agents said that staging affects a buyer’s perception
- 81% of buyer agents said a staged house allows buyers to visualize themselves living in the property
- 39% of buyer agents said that staging the living room is most important because that’s where the negotiations take place
You have options on how to stage your house. You can either hire a professional stager or take the DIY route. We highly recommend hiring a professional if you own an expensive Orlando real estate. Though DIY staging costs less, it does not greatly impact the buyer.
Staging Cost Factors
- Home Occupation Status
If you don’t live in the house, you must pay more for staging. Owner-occupied houses are furnished. When it comes to staging, the house is decluttered and cleaned, and certain furniture pieces are left behind to create a picture-perfect look.
Staging an empty house costs $2,000, and owner-occupied is $800.
- House Size
This one’s a no-brainer – the bigger the house, the higher the staging cost. However, remember to do the bare minimum instead of fancying it up.
- Location
The staging cost will differ from location to location. It will cost $1,230 to stage a house in Boston, $3,400 in Los Angeles, and $1,500 in Orlando.
- Renting Furniture
If you rent furniture, remember that this will not be a one-time cost. Some renters charge by the week, and others by the month. So, if you are renting a few pieces for $400, you will pay $400 more if your house does not sell in a given time.
Staging Specific Rooms
The two primary rooms buyers inspect closely are the master bedroom and kitchen. This is where people spend most of their time. A bedroom should be staged with a bed set, including side tables with lamps, a dressing table, and a cupboard. A small rug should be in the middle of the room and two sofa seats with a round coffee table by the window. You can hang a painting or two on the wall.
The kitchen should look spotless and shiny, with no pots or pans in sight and only one appliance on the counter – a coffeemaker. Place a plate of fresh cookies, mugs, and sugar sachets beside it. This gives buyers the vibe you want them to tour the house with a relaxed mind and cup of joe.
In conclusion, home staging is a simple process requiring little effort. However, you must decorate the house strategically to make a good first impression. If you want to help to sell your Orlando real estate, visit the Megan Dowdy Realty website to connect with a qualified real estate agent who will ensure your house is listed properly to get multiple offers.
