The most cost effective way to stage if you are living in the home while on the market, is to get a home staging consultation with a pro and then stage it yourself. They will give you their expert opinion on everything you can do both inside and outside to get top dollar and only recommend things that will give you a good return on your investment of time or money. This is great for folks with small budgets, but who know the value of home staging and are handy. The end result may not be as good as if a pro does it, but it will definitely help! Your stager may be able to offer a final review after you do the staging to refine the end result.
Every home, no matter how nice can benefit from a consultation. The value comes from the pro’s knowledge of the market, how to stage for the buyer and their un-biased view of your home. When you live there every day, it is impossible for you to have that perspective. Don’t be worried about what they will recommend…. their goal is to get you the most money possible and reduce stress by selling fast. When preparing your house for sale, it is all about the buyer.
The longer the home is on the market, the more showings you have to deal with at a moment’s notice while still paying your monthly home expenses. The longer it is on the market, the more likely your realtor is to recommend a price reduction, which is typically $10,000 each time. The longer it is on the market, buyers wonder what is wrong with the house and are less likely to offer top dollar. Once you set the initial price, it is only downhill from there. It is extremely unlikely you can list it un-staged for one price, then stage it later and raise your price. So do the staging before listing.
Investment.-$400-$850. A 2-hour consultation is about $600. Based on your location, size of your house and if you need a color consultation before painting, it may take more time and run up to $850 or more.
Those reduction numbers are certainly motivation for hiring an expert stager!
Amen to all of this! Bad home staging is worse than no staging…doing it right more than pays for itself!
Amen!
Great post, Mary Ann, and I love the video to explain your staging options. You have inspired me to try video, since I have been avoiding it for so long!
Go for it!! Glad to be an inspiration for others, thank you!
Yes, finding a good fit first time around is the perfect marriage!
Great advice!!
Thank you!
I love the title of this one! It is so true. I also love how you showcase the many ways to get assistance to home stage. Well done!
Thank you!