Home Staging

As a professional certified home stager, I know first hand that home staging has a real impact both on the sale price of a home and on the speed at which it sells.

Home staging is decorating a house to sell. Through effective home staging, houses are expertly prepared to appeal to potential buyers in their target market.

The goal of staging is to make the potential buyer feel an emotional connection with the home from the moment they enter the front door. This is achieved by strategically making the changes that matter, so buyers fall in love at first sight. Results are a higher selling price and decreased time on the market,  the staging plan might include decluttering, depersonalization, cosmetic repairs, painting, thorough cleaning, editing, rearranging, and/or rental furniture & decor. Some homes require less than others.

No matter the price point of property, professional stagers can increase their success ratio and business share by adding a higher level of luxury to the staging work they provide. Research supports the fact that people buy aspirationally; emotions connect on a platform of want vs. need. Their decision to buy is usually supported intellectually, but the emotional connection must be visceral. The demonstration of the quality of life the property has to offer.

The word luxury as it pertains to real estate has taken on a whole new meaning too, particularly over the past few years. Trendsetters agree: what used to pass for luxury is now commonplace for many. Features that were once exclusive only to the high-priced real estate market are now expected in lower price markets as well.

The emerging high-end trends like home cinemas, granit counters, gyms, and computer controlled everything (security/camera systems, window coverings, stereo and television equipment, and more) are now percolating to all markets and need to be showcased.

As style and tastes change, so do buyers’ expectation levels; the change of expectation is evident at every price point. Buyers want more, they want to do less work when they move, and they are willing to pay more money for move-in condition.

The evolution of TV programs for decorating homes has certainly helped grow and expand the mindset as well as the expectation level of the “average” home buyer. Even as high-tech gadgets become more commonplace, today’s consumers are still looking for space, functionality, ease of living, peace and tranquility.

Common mistakes I consistently see across the industry are the use of lower priced products such as accessories and bedding, incorrect placement of color, incorrect size and scale for art and accessories, acceptance of POGE (principle of good enough), which involves various emotional connection points using color mapping, decor layers, size, scale, and correct placement. It starts with condition, then followed by anticipating and marketing to the targeted buyer, and engaging all the senses of those prospective buyers. The results are outstanding finished products, results, and photographs. “I remain steadfast in my belief that if a buyer is looking at art and not the fireplace there is a problem.

Buyers have notoriously no imagination. That’s why staging the house is essential before you take pictures or videos prior to listing.

​It will no longer feel like your home but rather a model home, ideal for all potential buyers.

It also sends a message to the buyer that the home has been well taken care of. You will likely avoid a price reduction, and you may have buyers bidding against each other.

Staging works because it showcases the best features of the house without making you focus on the furniture or decor itself.

If has been proven over and over again, that staging increases the property value, but only if it’s done well, and completely! I will walk into your home with the eyes of the most critical potential buyer. Here are a few testimonials from my recent clients…