When you're selling your home, it's important to make a great first impression. That's why many real estate agents recommend staging your home before putting it on the market. By decluttering and organizing your space, you can make potential buyers feel more comfortable and excited about buying it. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of staging your home and give some tips on how to do it effectively.
Make a great first impression
Staging East Cobb real estate, houses for sale in Roswell, and Sandy Springs homes for sale can help sellers make a great first impression. First impressions are important, especially when selling your home. When potential buyers see a well-staged home, they are more likely to imagine themselves living there and fall in love with the space. In fact, in the 2021 Profile of Home Staging from the National Association of Realtors, over 80% of agents who represented buyers noted that it was easier for buyers to see a staged home as their own home.
Bring in more offers
One of the main reasons to stage is to bring in more offers. A staged home looks better in photos and videos online, which will attract more buyers. In fact, according to the 2021 profile linked above, over 70% of buyers' agents noted photos, videos, and virtual tours have been important to buyers since the advent of the pandemic. In addition, potential buyers who come to see your home will be impressed by its appearance and may be more likely to make an offer.
Earn more money
Another benefit of staging East Cobb real estate, houses for sale in Roswell, and Sandy Springs homes for sale is that sellers may be able to earn more money. Nearly a quarter of buyer agents surveyed in 2021 noted a staged home increased the offers submitted by 1-5% more than a similar, non-staged home, and another 2021 survey indicated the sales price can be increased by an average of up to 20%! As such, it simply makes financial sense to stage your home before listing it for sale, since you don't want to leave money on the table when selling!
Close more quickly
Finally, staging East Cobb real estate, houses for sale in Roswell, and Sandy Springs homes for sale can help sales close more quickly. Nearly a quarter of sellers' agents surveyed in 2021 noted a reduction in time spent on the market for staged homes versus unstaged homes. Buyers who are interested in your home may be more motivated to move forward with the purchase when it is well-staged. In addition, a well-staged home will often need fewer repairs or updating before closing, which can speed up the process.
Okay, but should I hire someone or do it myself?
Working with a professional
Hiring a professional stager can be helpful, especially if the seller is short on time or unsure where to start. Professional stagers are experts at making homes look their best. They understand how to highlight a home's strengths and downplay its weaknesses. With their wealth of experience, they can transform any home into a showplace. They are able to reorganize and rearrange your home to create more space and make a great first impression. Professional stagers also have access to rental furniture and décor, which can perfectly elevate your space. As third-party observers, they are able to look at your property with fresh eyes, which makes it easier to depersonalize your space so buyers can see themselves living there.
DIY Staging
If sellers have time to spare, they may want to stage East Cobb real estate, houses for sale in Roswell, and Sandy Springs homes for sale themselves. This can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to be able to disengage on a personal level. As a seller, you must be able to look at your home with a critical eye and envision how a stranger might react to each space you stage. In addition, you'll need to declutter your home, deep clean, and rearrange your furniture. You may also need to devote time to painting and repairs.
If you decide to stage your home yourself, here are a few tips:
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Start with the most important rooms first: Buyers and sellers' agents agree that the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom are the most important rooms to be staged. Some sellers' agents also recommend staging the dining room.
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Depersonalize: This is one of the most important aspects of staging. You want potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home, and that's difficult to do if your personal belongings are everywhere. Put away family photos, heirlooms, and anything else that is particularly personal to you.
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Add some color: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. It's amazing what a difference it can make! Choose colors that are neutral and inviting, such as creams, light blues, greens, or grays.
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Let there be light: Brighten up your rooms by opening the curtains and turning on all the lights. You want buyers to feel like they're walking into a warm and inviting space, not a dark and dreary one.
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Create a focal point: In each room, you'll want to create a focal point that will catch the eye of potential buyers. This could be a fireplace, a piece of art, or a large window.
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Use furniture and décor to your advantage: Furniture and décor can highlight your home's best features and downplay its flaws. For example, if you have a small living room, use furniture to create the illusion of more space.
Staging your home can be a daunting task, but it's worth it if you are looking to sell quickly and for top dollar. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be sure to impress potential buyers. When you are ready to sell, or if you are looking for recommendations for professional stagers, reach out to trusted local agent Julie Altenbach. She will be happy to work with you to ensure your home sells for top dollar.
