You might be wondering whether or not to spend time and money on staging your home, especially when it’s a hot seller's market. Here's why home staging is still very important, no matter what the current market conditions.
Staged homes sell for top dollar.
It's easy to feel a little skeptical about whether home staging makes a difference or not, but it does if you want to get top dollar for your home. The National Association of Realtors found that staged homes sold for 17% more than non-staged homes.
Staged homes sell faster.
While home staging is not a requirement to sell your home, it can make a significant difference in the amount of time your home sits on the market. Staged homes sell faster than unstaged homes, and a faster sale period is usually good for both the buyer and seller. It's also particularly good news for the seller if you’re buying another home and want to get settled in quickly.
Seller's markets are competitive.
Even though there's limited real estate inventory in the market, don't assume buyers will settle for something less than their dream home, especially if they have other options within their price range. Staging helps set your home apart from the competition and potential buyers aren't just looking at the number of bedrooms or bathrooms. They also want to imagine themselves living there, and staging will allow them to do just that!
Staged homes are more likely to appraise.
Homes often sell quickly and above the asking price in a seller's market. But that doesn't mean they'll automatically appraise for the best price or the price the buyer offered, especially if it’s above the listing price. If your home needs an appraisal as part of the buying process, staging can help. Appraisers use comparable properties as part of their valuation, and if your home is staged beautifully, it will have more in common with other staged houses than with non-staged homes. You want your house to be compared with other homes at the top of its range, not the bottom.
Buyers are still making emotional decisions.
Buyers don't just want a home that meets their needs; they want a home that inspires them emotionally, and that starts with how it looks online and in person. If they love the way your home looks, they will be more likely to buy it. Staging is a great way to show off your home's best features and make it as appealing as possible.
Staging is a great visualization tool.
When buyers walk through your home, they need to see themselves living there and loving it. A staged home allows them to do just that! An excellent stager will help you declutter and depersonalize your home to allow potential buyers to envision their furniture in the space. They will stage with great furniture and accessories and create beautiful vignettes throughout the home, making the home tantalizingly appealing.
Staged homes are more likely to make it through inspection.
In today's real estate market, the average home inspection turns up hundreds of dollars worth of repairs. When buyers find out about these, many will try to negotiate for credit or for the sellers to fix them before closing. But if there are too many items on the inspection report, buyers may get cold feet and walk away altogether. Staging helps you avoid this by allowing you to see and fix some issues before listing your home. Since a staged home is more likely to be in market-ready shape, it's less likely that there will be anything major on the inspection report in the first place.
Staging makes homes look bigger.
Decorating can make a room feel cozy and warm, but if you want to sell your home, think about what makes the space look bigger and more open. An excellent stager can help you figure out how to maximize space with furniture that is either the proper size or on the smaller side. When staged appropriately, your home will look much more appealing on showings and pictures.
Staged homes make for better professional photos.
Staging will make it easier for a professional photographer to get shots of your rooms that don't look boring. Staged homes make for more visually appealing photos, and agents are also more likely to give your house more attention when it is staged because they know selling it will be easier.
Home staging can leave your house looking its absolute best, and it's also a sure way to increase your home's value as a seller. Are you looking to sell a home in Maine? Contact Meservier & Associates today and also, check out some of our happy client testimonials.
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